Leisure time is a topical and commercially viable subject. However, it is a necessary addition to our lives, something I prefer to call ‘me time’.
Is it the fact that we don’t quite know what to do with our leisure time because it is such an alien concept?- Kathryn Borg
Most people’s lives have some form of stress in them. ‘Me time’ is the one release, if taken regularly, which can relieve stress and make our lifestyles healthier. Good leisure time benefits us physiologically and physically.
Why then, do we avoid it? Is it the guilt we associate with taking ‘me time’ when we could be working, spending time with relatives, the children, or our partner? Is it the fact that we don’t quite know what to do with our leisure time because it is such an alien concept?
As such, we try a few leisure concepts and don’t continue them. We don’t diary them or treat them as important. We wouldn’t miss a doctor’s appointment or a hospital appointment, but how many times have you thought ‘I won’t go to the gym, I won’t go to yoga, I won’t take that brisk walk today’?
Alternatively, we all know people who are so obsessed with their hobby or leisure time that they spend all their free time engrossed in it, while their partner moans that they never have the time for them, they don’t do their share of the household chores or care about the family.
We need to find a fine line between the two extremes: making sure we do plan ‘me time’ on a weekly basis, but not getting so involved that we use all our weekends, holidays and evenings engrossed in the activity.
Leisure time could be a family activity, in which case everyone would motivate each other. That is the ideal and would probably apply to a family with younger children. As children grow older, they may not wish to participate with their parents in whatever leisure time they find interesting. It does help if partners and spouses support each other with ‘me time’.
So, initially, a family discussion would help tremendously, regarding what everyone could do, individually or together, as their own special ‘me time’. If everyone contributes to this discussion, it would be so much easier when time is taken to go off diving, attend a zumba class, or to yoga, especially as, after the family discussion, an agreement has been reached for everyone to allocate time to their own special hobby.
If you are a single person, the willpower to ensure you diary your ‘me time’ is vital. Finding a friend or family member to nag you would help if your willpower is at an all time low.
The next step is choosing the activity. Make sure it is something you enjoy, will benefit you, and is not so expensive that it will become prohibitive. Although many people feel watching television is a leisure activity, I don’t feel it meets the healthy lifestyle definition.
What it can do is take away mental stress by becoming engrossed in another’s story. However, this mental stress will return once the programme ends. The same can be said for playing computer games.
Many people say they are not into sport. This doesn’t matter as there are many leisure activities that can be carried out by everyone. Tai chi, Pilates and mediation classes are all excellent activities which benefit the body and mind while stretching across all age groups and fitness barriers.
I have recommended tai chi to elderly people for mobility purposes as well as those who have been recently bereaved. It has helped everyone.
To ensure leisure or ‘me time’ is achieved regularly, you need to make it a habit, gain support from the family, your spouse and your friends; choose something that is not an activity which you will become bored with and, if possible, do it with family, friends or a companion.
It needs work and dedication on your part, so treat it like you would treat your work or caring for your children; be determined and dedicated; it does help you live longer and healthier, so what better incentive could you have?