Fight Stress With Leisure

In the growing pace or modern life, most of us either do not have time or do not understand the meaning and importance of leisure. We are always running against time. Routine jobs and errands leave us with no time for any activity that gives us pleasure. Leisure is a luxury which was enjoyed by the erstwhile rich folk of yesteryears.

The pace of life has significantly increased in recent years, causing a new kind of strain on many of us, whose work involves heavy responsibility, tight deadlines, long hours, complex work or decision-making. In order to combat these draining effects on life, one has to make time to pursue positive leisure activities. Most people in executive positions thrive on the stimulus of pressure, but beyond a certain level, pressure can become a cause for concern. the long hours or work can become a burden and the level of fatigue goes up. To offset the ill-effects of these phenomenon one has to find time for enjoyment.


Some people find it difficult to stop thinking of their work and are unable to relax. They
push themselves to the limit and over the brink.
(Pic Courtesy: Public Domain Pictures)
A tired executive does not necessarily require only sleep. He requires a change of scene. He needs leisure for both his welfare and the welfare of his company. Research has proved that an overworked executive is a liability to his company. With fatigue his performance suffers. One has to take rest to avoid fatigue, but to maintain peak efficiency, one needs mental well-being which can come through external stimulus. Regular exercise has proved to be a beneficial stimulant, not only for physical agility but also for mental well-being.

Our tendency to take on too many jobs and responsibilities can make us workaholics. But without leisure to unwind, our efficiency level will drop dismally.

To different people, the word "leisure" has different connotations. To some, it just means sitting idle in a park and staring into the space, while to others it may mean an activity which is pleasurable. The word "leisure" is derived from Latin and means "things that are permitted." The early English use of the word meant, "an opportunity to do something". Over the years, it has come to have different meanings like, "state of having time at one's disposal", or "free time". In short, leisure for kost people is a fairly new concept. The tribe of idle rich which was also called the "leisured class", have almost disappeared.

What may be termed as leisure activity by one person may not be seen as the same by another. For instance, gardening may be leisure to some but to a gardener, it's just work. Creative leisure provides the distraction and mental relaxation that smoothens stressful situations. Any activity that provides an absorbing interest and is quite different from a person's work can lead to a state of mental well-being.

Working in your kitchen garden can be a relaxing activity.
Pic credits:Alex - Fotolia.com

Activities like photography, gardening, theatre, cinema, chess, music - anything that gives pleasure can be picked up as a leisure activity. But it has to be done with a view of enjoyment and relaxation - not because it is in vogue or everyone else is doing it.

There are people who find it difficult to stop thinking of their work and are unable to relax. They push themselves to the limit and over the brink. They may attain their goals and live beyond their capacity but it causes serious harm in the longer run. Sadly, many women today, caught between the demands of career and home, are forced to forfeit their leisure. Overworked to the bone, with frazzled nerves and stress-filled routines, they have lost the capacity to enjoy life. Their health suffers and so does the well-being of their family members. It is time thinking-women thought afresh on their priorities. Is life for living or simply for being lived?

Vigorous activities such as rock climbing, tennis, swimming and skiing keep a person physically fit while giving him enjoyment. There is a definite nexus between exercise and reduced risk of heart disease. People who are physically active tend to be slimmer and to have normal blood pressure, normal blood cholesterol levels - all of which are associated with a lower rate of heart problems. This is one aspect of leisure activity which is related to physical fitness.


Vigorous activities such as rock climbing keeps a person physically fit while giving him enjoyment. Pic Credits: Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com

However, there are also creative people who love to write poems, paint read or sculpt. These are comparatively non-exerting activities which are not at all physical in nature. Yet, it would be wrong to say that they are not providing mental stimulus or relaxing the person. These activities definitely play a role in promoting the mental well-being of the person.


Creative activities like sculpting, painting etc play a role in promoting the mental well-being of the person.
Pic Credits:cleomiu - Fotolia.com 

Hence, what one must understand is the basic need to get away from the chores and the rat-race, even if it is for an hour every alternate day or just during the weekends. The principles of leisure and relaxation as well as the development of a hobby are interrelated. One has to cultivate what he feels best for himself.
But there is no denying that a human being, how much ever busy or responsible me might be, has to get away from it all, if he wants to continue efficiently. As the person goes higher in the hierarchy, his responsibilities increase and so do his requirements for leisure.

So find time for your well-being before it is too late. Leisure is a luxury you must be able to afford.

(Guest post by Harini)