SEC | S11W5-""""Recreation""""

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“My child, you have to take some time off.”

These words were, and still are my mom’s words whenever she is with me.
Mom knows that recreation is a key to keeping us not only healthy but also happy.

My understanding of recreation, the various forms and how I participate in them

Recreation can mean anything that makes you feel good and recharged, whether it's a hobby, a trip, or just hanging out with your loved ones. It's so important for all of us, no matter who we are, where we live, or our age.

For me, recreation can be summed up as taking a break from our daily routines, enjoying ourselves, unwinding, a break from our responsibilities, and of course, breaking that daily routine. Okay, something I don’t do often enough.

Recreation can come in many forms, like playing sports, doing crafts, or just hanging out with friends. In fact, it depends on what you like to do.

For this contest I am going to introduce you to four forms or groups of recreation

1. Social activities
2. Physical activities
3. Indoor and outdoor
4. Mental activities

Let's start with the recreation activity I like the least.

1. Social activities

If you are a party animal this recreation is for you. This is hanging out with friends, going to parties, and meeting new people.
Friday’s are my hubby’s day of social recreation. He comes off early from work and then goes to the fishing club where he will have a beer with his fishing friends, discussing those “big” ones that got away during the week.

I am not a party animal, but what I do love is getting together with my family and friends on those special occasions like birthdays, Easter, and of course, Christmas. I love my family and if we can just relax next to a fire and have a South African “braai” I am happy. Of course, if there is a cricket or rugby match to be watched in between I am in seventh heaven.

2. Physical activities

Now if you are one of those who like to “move the body” these activities like, sports, games, fitness, etc. are where you will fit in. All though these activities can be lots of fun I found them more challenging.

Physical activities for recreation will go as far as walking and swimming for me. In my younger days, it was a different story. These days, if I can take the dogs for a walk to the beach I am more than happy.

3. The indoors and outdoors

If you prefer indoor activities, gyms and community centers offer tons of options like yoga, boxing, and dance classes. And don't forget about cultural institutions like museums and theaters, which can be both entertaining and educational.

Of course, you can also find recreation right at home! Whether it's reading a book, cooking a delicious meal, or playing music, there are plenty of things that you can do to help you unwind and feel fulfilled. As you get older you will find this becomes your favorite. There is nothing nicer than reading a good book or even watching documentaries on television.

My favorite recreation is at my own home. This is where I am most comfortable and I have nothing to be worried about. No traffic, no standing in queues, and no stress. Just the sound of the ocean.

^{My home and the ocean}

We call it our pajama day as we would walk in them until midday, eating, watching some television, reading, and doing what takes the least energy. It is also the day that I will make the simplest of meals, nothing fancy, and definitely not something that will take a lot of time. How I wish that every Saturday was pajama day.

If you love the outdoors, like my family, you can head to parks, beaches, or hiking trails for some fresh air. In South Africa camping is a very popular outdoor activity therefore we have beautiful caravan parks with all the facilities you might need to have a relaxed time. Most of these places cater for activities like hiking, swimming, picnicking, bird-watching, and of course, golf for the men.

Believe it or not, nature provides the perfect backdrop for recreational activities and those selfies!

My favorite outdoor activity is long drives in the car. Driving to a different town, listening to music, playing car cricket, or just listening to what each one of the family has been up to. The sound of wheels on the tar road is like music to my ears. We will often drive for hours without even getting out of the car.

^{A drive to where ever the road might take us...}

4. Mental activities

For me, arts and crafts activities is what counts under mental activities. My mom did flower arranging when I was still in school. She always said that it was her way to not only express herself but also to relax. Dad again did woodwork. He just loved taking out his wood carving tools and would sit for hours over a weekend. Of course, we were lucky as with him around our school tasks were always the best.

I don’t do flower arrangements as a hobby like my mom but I do enjoy making them every now and again. What I do like is to wind down my mind when I go to bed at night. I normally do this by playing a word game on my phone or, believe it or not, “GardenScapes” whereby you have to use your brain to figure out the next move.

^{One of my flower arrangements - Psalm 23}

The importance of recreational activities for kids and parents

Both parents and children must have some fun and relaxation time as it is super important for our mental and physical health as I wrote right in the beginning. That is also not where it ends.

I can remember the recreational activities my parents did with us kids, from going to the drive-in, listening to music, to camping. For us, it was a great way to bond. It is something that I vowed to do should I have children one day.

I had two children and it is exactly what I did although we had businesses to run. I always made time to have some playtime and activities that we could enjoy together. It was also a time when we could get to learn so much more from each other and appreciate the bond we had. I do believe that looking back it was the times like this that laid the foundation for them as parents and I am grateful that these days they are “playing it forward.”

Trust me, recreation will do wonders for your family's well-being, the family bonds, communication, and creating of those everlasting memories.

^{Creating family memories}

Where I enjoy my recreational activities mostly

I’ve already answered this, at home.

“Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble there's no place like home!” These are words from a play, The Maid of Milan, from which the term “home sweet home” derives. My palace is right at home!

This is where I can let my hair down, not worry about putting on makeup, and just enjoy the time.

Who I have my recreational activities with?

I love spending time doing fun things with my family! In my life family always comes first.

BUT, I also like to do things by myself, that me time. Recreation on my own offers me opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery which I believe can lead to learning new skills, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

I want to end by stressing the fact that recreation is not merely a luxury but an essential component of a balanced and fulfilling life. Whether it is engaging in physical activities, pursuing hobbies, or simply spending quality time with loved ones, incorporating recreation into our lives is crucial.

^{T O G E T H E R}

So, make sure to prioritize recreation in your life and reap the countless benefits it has to offer. I am.
I am having a pajama day tomorrow.

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