Leisure activities reduce stress

One method to effectively manage the inevitable stress that occurs in each of our lives is to find activities outside our work that allow our minds and bodies to relax.

Leisure time activities and hobbies have long been a source of altering our pattern of behavior. In so doing we lower the higher level of emotional reactivity that inevitably occurs with the decision making and responsibilities of the work week. Allowing ourselves the opportunity to escape from routine assignments and responsibilities is both healthy and necessary to prevent the breakdown that may occur from prolonged stress without these therapeutic interruptions.


Hobbies and leisure time activities have become an industry in themselves. There are numerous magazines and books in circulation to help people learn these activities. Camping, golfing, playing tennis, fishing, bowling, and yes, even video games can be sources of satisfaction from the everyday work routine. Finding the proper hobby and outlet may be easy for some people, yet difficult for others.

Many individuals have developed a work pattern that has allowed them very little or no outside leisure time activity. They simply do not know how to relax and enjoy themselves outside of work. For them, leisure time activity becomes sheer boredom. Their workaholic tendencies may lead them to very unhappy consequences in life. They generally relate very poorly to friends and relatives and are often very detached and even reclusive. The old saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, seems to have merit.”

Although they may not recognize it as a problem until a heart attack or emotional breakdown occurs, these people cannot walk away from their work. Their inability to relax away from their work setting causes problems for themselves and their families.

A case in point is Paul who was an excellent tennis player during his college years when he won many medals and trophies. After entering the business world he allowed little time for tennis or any other form of recreation. While in his 30s he developed several medical problems that his doctor told him were related to stress. He was urged to change his lifestyle, to develop some outlets which would allow him to wind down at the end of the day and relieve some of the tension. His wife suggested he take up tennis again. After returning from the tennis court the first time, he found himself stiff, sore, and vowing never again to play tennis again because of his poor performance. In comparing his outing at age 35 to his performance 15 years ago Paul’s ego was unable to accept the changes that occurred because of age, physical condition and lack of practice. Paul thought he could step on the court and be the star he used to be. Because this didn’t happen he didn’t want to play just for fun. For him, leisure time activities had to be competitive. The qualities of relaxation were not important.

His female counterpart, Nellie, was a Mid-State University swimming team star and trophies in her den reminded her of the recognition she had received from family, friends, and peers. When she decided to take up a leisure activity during her early 30s, swimming seemed to be a natural, but after the first club visit she was disenchanted and felt terribly “over the hill.”

For Nellie, swimming was not going to be a hobby. It was still a competitive endeavor. Her inability to accept swimming as a simple form of exercise and recreation caused her to lose the opportunity to utilize a lot of dormant skills to stay in shape and to rid herself of tension through exercise.

Finding a suitable, enjoyable and rewarding recreational activity may require multiple trials. Joining a club or group dedicated to leisure time activities can give you the opportunity to learn from experienced people. Many churches, YMCAs, YWCAs and community colleges have courses devoted to hobbies and recreation that are moderate in cost. They allow you the opportunity to try new activities at a minimum of effort and time.

Reducing stress by a suitable leisure time activity is a total personal endeavor that is well worth the effort for mind and body.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1984