Leisure time… We often see it as pure entertainment, but we minimize its importance for our mental health. In fact, taking the time to do activities that we enjoy, whatever they may be, has a direct impact on aspects that are directly related to our psychological health. To help you become aware of the importance of leisure in our lives, our psychologists present this article.
What is leisure?
Let’s start with the basics. A leisure activity is an activity that should give us pleasure and that we do in our free time. But, it is still necessary to take the time to devote to them.
Leisure activities should be seen as moments of distraction, which allow us to stop thinking about our responsibilities and problems. Leisure time allows us to break the chain of the subway-work-sleep, which starts again and again. Leisure time should really be seen as a time of freedom, when we put aside our responsibilities and take a moment for ourselves, and for no one else.
Leisure time to fulfill important psychological needs
Now that we have defined what leisure is, let’s talk about the psychological needs that are met by doing activities that we enjoy and consider to be our leisure.
Valuable interactions
First of all, leisure activities are good opportunities to join clubs or sports teams. These are times to meet and interact with people who have similar interests. This helps to fulfill the need for association and integration into our environment. It creates new relationships, maintains them and makes you feel involved in your community.
A sense of accomplishment
Leisure activities, whether they are sports or other activities, allow us to surpass ourselves and to have new personal successes. These activities are therefore very important for our need to feel valued and to fulfill our sense of achievement. This obviously has a direct impact on our self-esteem.
A stress relief valve
Another important benefit of taking time to do activities that we enjoy is the release of stress and negative thoughts. In fact, during leisure time, we focus on the activity we are doing and we put aside all thoughts that cause stress or anxiety. Engaging in leisure activities can really help you “unplug”!
In some cases, by allowing a break from the responsibilities of work and family life, leisure activities help to reduce the mental load and to better cope with it. Leisure activities therefore play an important role for people who are vulnerable to burnout.
Running, soccer, yoga, painting, hiking… The leisure options are very varied. In addition, activities can be done alone, in a group, with the family, with the children, etc. You are sure to find an activity that you enjoy and that you can fit into your schedule. In addition, when our leisure activities allow us to move, our body as well as our mind benefits greatly. When it comes time to plan your schedule, make sure you make room for the activities you enjoy in your schedule!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
