Recreation

Recreation is a diversion from work or regular duties in which one participates for relaxation, refreshment of one's mind, amusement, fun, entertainment, and to play.

Recreation is the use of time in a way that is planned for therapeutic refreshment of one's mind or body.

In recreation the participants are active but in a diverting and refreshing manner where as the term leisure is more known as a form of sleep or entertainment.

Some people consider recreation to be trivial or non-productive.

If taken to excess recreation can become unhealthy in that one may be using it to escape the duties and responsibilities of everyday life.

Research has shown that the proper balance of recreation in our lives has many benefits in that it creates satisfaction and reduces stress. The results of these benefits lead to a better quality of life in health and wellness as well as clinical benefits and applications for those with health impairments and chronic pain.

In our American society today we have the option to be able to participate in recreation because our normal living activities do not take up as much time as they once did.

The word recreation may have a different meaning from one person to another depending on their upbringing, interests, personal views, beliefs, and values.

Much of what we consider recreation today was a necessary activity of survival at one time such as trapping, hunting, and fishing, canoeing, and even hiking.

Competitive sports today fill the void where once the need to survive reigned.

Sports today have created a socioeconomic system in our society that is multi-faceted and complex.

Modern sport recreation has allowed a large diversity in participation from random unstructured play by a child to the possibility of winning a major championship and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.

We do not have a simple answer as to why one would participate in recreational activities on a regular basis.

Some of the reasons might be to pursue a professional career, the love of the game, the excitement or adrenaline rush, exercise, social interaction with others, or the need to compete.

Recreation has become an organized activity thru local governments by creating parks and community centers for the public.

Recreational programs are practiced in many prison populations to provide inmates a more constructive way to use their time with activities such as exercise equipment, music, hobbies, and crafts.

A degree in recreational management such as a bachelor of arts is required to become a recreational specialist. A recreational specialist would be responsible for a community or an interest group in networking with instructors, budgeting, and evaluation of continuing programs.

For many different recreational activities and locations across the United States go to Recreation.gov for information and guidelines.

The Pennsylvania Recreation and Park Society (PRPS), founded in 1935, is the principal organization promoting quality recreation and park opportunities for all citizens of the Commonwealth.

At the University of Pennsylvania, Department of Recreation our mission is to create value added experiences for the university community's growth and development by encouraging involvement in the present, which will enrich and challenge the future.

The National Parks Conservation Association provides information on US national parks and campaigns to protect these natural, historic and cultural treasures.

At USA.gov: Travel, Transportation, and Recreation you will find Government information and online services related to travel, tourism, and recreational activities.

The NCTRC - National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification is a nationally recognized credentialing organization for the profession of therapeutic recreation in the US.

National Recreation and Park Association-NRPA is the leading advocacy organization dedicated to the advancement of public parks and recreation opportunities.