Actually, the time spent in leisure activities has a big role to play in ensuring that you live an active, enjoyable, and productive life. And in doing so, you develop all 4 planes of your existence : physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Some tend to regard the human body as a machine, while others view it as a highly complex organism. Whichever way one looks at it, the body/ machine/ matter requires adequate amounts of both exercise and rest to continuously maintain and repair itself. (Even machines need time off for servicing and repair)!
So, any time that we invest in leisurely pursuits gives our bodies the opportunity to repair and renew. This is the reason yoga practitioners spend so much time in 'savasana'!
Leisure also has a role in maintaining sound mental health. It provides a much-needed break from obsessing over stress- building concerns (which, are part and parcel of each of our lives) by giving our minds the chance to turn off.
More often than not, we return from leisure activities refreshed and ready to deal with our problems in a more objective and constructive manner.
Writing, is a pursuit I recommend strongly. Not necessarily to get published (though that could be an additional bonus). I have used it myself, during periods of great stress, to purge my negative feelings.
And I can vouch for its cathartic effect.
Put down on paper EXACTLY what is troubling you. Write about your concerns, your feelings, as they occur, without pre-judging or assessing how it will appear to a reader. Just record. Then read it through once, and trash it.
You may or may not get new insights into yourself. But I can assure you that you will feel much, much, better.
On the emotional front, shared leisure activities provide an excellent platform to bond with family and friends. And for those of us who enjoy new experiences, travel affords a means for us to come into contact with other cultures and ways of life that are different.
Travel can open up blinkered eyes, attitudes and minds, develop empathy for others and develop inter-personal skills.
Finally, some leisure activities can lead us into awareness of the spirit within us. The beauty and goodness of God's Creation ( even though some may choose to attribute it to 'The Big Bang') becomes more apparent when and if we give ourselves the time to notice it.
Dwell upon the beauty of a sunset, the majesty of the ocean, the grandeur of the Himalayas or the serene and subtle pleasure of lying in a hammock in one's own back-garden!
At moments such as these one begins to understand that God's gift of human life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved.
There is nothing like a cruise to bring it all together, now that they are going at such bargain prices.
Invigorating fresh sea air, changing sunset colors, and the world brought to one dockside. Marvelous food ( even salt-free, if one chooses); the best of shows or quiet places. And, as for exercise, we do The Tibetan Technique wherever....! If you want more, there is exercise whichever way you want it... walks, aerobic classes, tennis, golf.....even swimming!
Both Jay and I LOVE travelling , and take every opportunity that comes up to do so. When foiled by time or money, we indulge in arm-chair travelling!
Using visualization, of course! Places you are eager to visit can be great image and focus builders; try incorporating them into your own visualization sessions.
In this age of violence, accidents and terrorist attacks, life is a gift - so relax and enjoy it!