Essential self-care for caregivers and helpers includes various recreational activities. What do you consider recreational? Generally, recreation includes some form of leisure and enjoyment, even fun! Recreation is definitely an essential part of our lives. It helps us to get out of the habit (or at least enjoy a brief respite) of working and fulfilling our social duties borne out of necessity or social obligation. While some people categorize recreational pursuits as “leisure time” that stands in the way of progress and prevents us from succeeding in our normative work ethic, many argue that our modern lifestyle actually demands more responsibilities than ever before, generated by too many tasks.
I happen to believe that the pursuit of recreation is central to staying sane and centered in a culture where things are seemingly moving too fast all the time. There are so many wonderful recreational choices including gardening, hiking, travel, reading and all kinds of sports. These many forms reflect our individual interests but are also shaped by what is popular and current for any given historical era. These days, watching movies, music videos or participating in internet gaming are considered recreational activities. Some people are more physical by their temperament so sports and outdoor activities suit them better. Others tend to enjoy quilting, painting, interior design or listening to music, all of which are indoor activities. It’s all good though. Recreational pursuits help to shift our consciousness and allow our chi to circulate without the tension we are more often accustomed to.
And what about travel? Experiencing new cultures and different ethnic traditions can be very stimulating and in-fact for many, absolutely fascinating. Some of the most enjoyable trips I’ve taken have included traveling to Hawaii, New York City, Columbia Gorge in Washington, Yosemite National Park, Brazil and Europe, more recently Switzerland, England and Greece. Are you committed to too many tasks and responsibilities? Do you feel guilty taking off too much time from work, even if you can financially manage it, or do you rationalize that it just costs too much and better save that cash for a rainy day (or another economic crash)?
Recreation provides us with the time and the space to reflect on our personal values and realities that daily life seems to often preclude. Caregivers and helpers tend to be focused on others’ needs first. Regardless of how you find yourself helping others, for a life in which good health is paramount and well-being comes from internally self-referencing to what really matters, leisure doesn’t just have to be confined to simple spare time or something that is done when you are just too exhausted to work anymore. Consider it essential for your spiritual health. Consider what brings you joy, excitement and deep personal satisfaction. Consider ways to do those things often so that you can come into accord with what a well-known Vulcan has been known to say: “Live long and prosper.”
Posted by Howard Brockman, LCSW
July 27, 2012
Howard Brockman
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