Recreation is any physical or mental activity pursued in leisure time for pleasure or refreshment, such as sports, games, hobbies, fitness activities, social gatherings, outdoor activities, arts and crafts, drama, music, cultural activities, and volunteering. Recreation provides many benefits including physical, mental, social, and economic benefits. It improves health, reduces stress, builds relationships, and boosts local economies. Some examples of recreational activities are hiking, camping, fishing, boating, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, skiing, running, and scuba diving.

1. RECREATION
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2. WHAT IS RECREATION
• Physical or mental activity pursued primarily for pleasure.
• An activity, such as a game or hobby, that is pursued primarily for pl
easure.
• refreshment by means of some pastime, agreeable exercise, or the l
ike.
• a pastime, diversion, exercise, or other resource affording relaxation
and enjoyment.

3. TYPES OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
• Physical activities (sports, games, fitness, etc.)
• Social activities (parties, banquets, picnics, etc.)
• Camping and outdoor activities (day camps, resident camps, backpacking, float
trips, etc.)
• Arts and crafts activities (painting, scrapbooking, ceramics, woodworking, etc.)
• Dramatic activities (plays, puppetry, skits, etc.)
• Musical activities (singing, bands, etc.)
• Cultural activities (art appreciation, music appreciation, panels, discussion
groups, etc.)
• Service activities (fun in doing things for others)

4. EXAMPLES
• Hiking and camping
• Hunting and fishing
• Canoeing, kayaking and rafting
• Sailing and motor boating
• Biking
• Rock Climbing
• Horseback riding
• Skiing
• Restoration and conservation
volunteering
• Running
• Scuba Diving
• Skating
• Surfing

5. BENEFITS AND IMPORTANCE OF RECREATION
• Economic Value
• Physical Benefits of Recreation
• Mental Health Improvements
• Leisure Lowers Stress and Depression
• Improving the Quality of your Life
• Social Importance
• Build family unity
• Control weight, look better, build strong bodies
• Diminish chance of disease
• Build self-esteem
• Reduce stress
• Promote sensitivity to cultural diversity
• Eliminate loneliness
• Increase community pride
• Meet friends
• Lower health care costs
• Boost economy
• Generate revenue
• Enhance relationship skills
• Offer place for social interaction
• Provide space to enjoy nature

6. • Brings people together, providing
opportunities for social interaction.
• Empowers, inspires and motivates
individuals.
• Provides work/life balance.
• Sport and recreation clubs are the hub of
community life, especially in the regions.
• Helps to sustain the environment through
protecting open space and natural areas.
• Contributes to higher levels of self-esteem
and self-worth.
• Creates opportunities for, and promotes,
volunteering.
• Provides a vehicle for inclusion, drawing
together people of different races, religions
and cultures.
• Reduces pollution – promotes use of active
modes of transport like walking and cycling.
• Creates positive alternatives to youth
offending, antisocial behavior and crime.
• Healthy workers are more productive and
take less sick days.
• Contributes to social capital.
• Eases pressure on the health system.
• Improves mental health.
• Kids who participate learn better and are
more likely to enjoy school.
• Keeps kids away from the TV or computer
screen!
• Binds families and communities through
shared experiences.
• Can help to prevent cardiovascular disease,
diabetes and some cancers.
• Reduces obesity.
• Great opportunities for networking.
• Contributes to lifelong learning.
• Economic growth through business
investment, employment, major events and
tourism.
• Galvanizes communities in times of need.
• Tones and strengthens the body.
• Fosters community pride.
• Provides a sense of belonging.
• Develops life skills and leadership abilities.
• Promotes a healthy, active lifestyle.
• Creates employment opportunities.
• Helps shape our national character and pride