Leisure Time: The Types of Activities

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Leisure Time Freedom
Discipline during Leisure Time
Extreme Leisure Activities
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Leisure time refers to the time in ones life when one is free from the demands of his/her duties or studies. During this time, one is free to spend his/her time as he wills or as he deems right. Many people opt to spend this time having fun in different ways as a way of relieving the physical and mental stress accumulated during working hours. To some, this is an opportunity to visit friends and family. Whatever activity one chooses depends on ones interest and the idea of having fun (Bull, et al., 2003).

Leisure time may however be confused for freedom to do anything during ones free time. There are limits to which one can exercise during his free time. For instance, when ones way of spending leisure interferes with someone elses freedom, then there is definitely a limit.

The freedom that people have during their leisure time may be controlled in some cases depending on the level of engagement. Although leisure time refers to free time that one can spend in whatever way he/she wills, some form of control usually exists. For instance, teenagers leisure time has some form of control that comes in different ways. There are reasons why some people tend to have an inclination towards extreme sports. This paper covers these issues in detail and gives examples in relevant sections.

Leisure Time Freedom

Freedom during leisure time refers to the ability to undertake any event for whatever length of time without any form of restrictions. This form of leisure time does not usually exist since there is always some form of control during leisure time. Though leisure time looks like a time when one can do what he/she wills for whatever length of time, this does not in practice exist. Some form of control usually exists for different individuals depending on age, cultural inclination, and length of time available (Harris, 2005).

Teenagers leisure times are always controlled lest they engage in destructive activities. Rules are set by parents in the type of activities they may engage and those that they may not engage in lest they get grounded. Teenagers are controlled from engaging in activities such as some very extreme sports, joining peer groups that are destructive and engaging in drugs and alcoholism. Parents on the other hand are limited by other activities which curtail the length of time they engage in leisure activities. For example, it is not possible for a couple to go fishing the whole day leaving their young children unattended.

There is always a compulsion to get back home and take care of the kids among other chores. Leisure time may be ones free time but it is always controlled by other activities in terms of extent and time that it may continue (Bull, et al., 2003).

Discipline during Leisure Time

It is very important to have some form of control during leisure time. This applies to both the young and the old since discipline makes leisure time more enjoyable in the long run. Discipline ensures consistency during leisure activities while helping an individual maintain a healthy physique. Lack of discipline or some form of control can only lead to destructive engagement which may not be productive in the long run. Parents use some form of restrictive discipline on their children by setting limits that the children may extend as they enjoy their leisure time. On the other hand, parents exercise discipline and control during their free time to ensure that they set a good example for their children.

Discipline helps in controlling freedom as earlier discussed. Without discipline, people would tend to misuse the freedom they have during their free time. For example, lack of discipline when engaging in some extreme sports such as skateboarding may be very lethal and it is important for one to learn the rules of engaging in such sports (Harris, 2005).

Extreme Leisure Activities

Extreme sports are considered to be more lethal compared to other forms of spending leisure. There are many extreme sports today and it is advisable for one to be very careful when engaging in any of them. Enough practice is very necessary before engaging in any extreme sport. Usually, extreme sports that some people engage in, involve the public exhibitions of dangerous stunts as a way of spending leisure. For instance, skateboarding and mountain biking are two extreme sports that people engage in to get thrilled and for excitement.

People engage in extreme sports for different reasons during leisure time. The biggest contributor towards engaging in this type of extreme sports especially among teenagers is the influence of television and video games. Teenagers would always wish to practice what they watch. Others engage in this type of sport simply because they believe that it is the best way of relieving stress. When a person engages in extreme sports, more adrenaline is released which presents one of the best ways of getting rid of stress (Tamara, 2010). People, therefore, tend to engage in some extreme sports which they believe are more relaxing than ordinary leisure activities such as reading or watching.

Conclusion

Leisure time is very important to any individual. This is a time when a person is able to relieve him/herself of day stress accumulated during work or studies. People are always allowed to spend their leisure time in whatever way they want so long as they do not break the set ground rules which in a way curtail the freedom that some people may want to enjoy. It is important to have some form of control or discipline during leisure time. This applies especially when engaging in extreme sports which some people engage in for excitement and thrill.

References

Bull, C. Hoose, J. & Weed, M., 2003. An Introduction to Leisure Studies. London: Prentice Hall.

Harris, D., 2005. Key Concepts in Leisure Studies. London: Sage.

Tamara, K., 2010. The discipline of leisure. Social Identities, 4(1), pp. 45-64.

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