Problems of Leisure
THE MAJOR PROBLEM connected to leisure is not using it wisely. During the time in our lives when we are sleeping, most of us will not get ourselves in trouble. While we are showering, dressing, eating, and doing other necessary things, most of us can manage to stay trouble-free. Even during the time when we are working - when we have duties, responsibilities, and obligations - most of us will be able to stay out of trouble. However, during the time when we are totally free - our leisure - problems may begin to arise.
There are some symptoms which become noticeable with regard to having problems during our free time. Here are some possibilities: (1) boredom - being bored, and not knowing what to do, during most of our leisure hours; (2) simple "busy-ness" - flitting from one thing to another, but not enjoying anything; not really knowing how to play; (3) "spectatoritis" - never having a desire for participation in an activity, but rather always wanting to watch others at play; and (4) non-living - just existing; becoming totally depressed and not wanting to be involved in a recreation activity or even watch others participating in games or fun activities.
A number of causes connected to leisure problems might be pointed out. Consider the following. Many people now have more leisure available because of a shorter work week. In more recent years, there has been a shift in working hours. In many cases, the home and the family has been restructured. The flight to the suburbs, and now the return to the center city, has perhaps contributed to leisure problems. Simply put, the increase in population has, no doubt, constituted a cause relating to problems of leisure. Developing industries and technology have also been contributing causes. Even our economy and transportation could be causes related to problems in our free time.
Several groups in our society have shown concern relating to the problems of leisure. Among these groups are the following: civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA/YWCA/Family Y organizations, Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations, recreation departments and organizations, the military, businesses and corporations, hospitals, and churches.
The good news is, the problems of leisure can be overcome. Leisure - free time - is not a bad thing. It is a wonderful thing! Even what perhaps seems to be too much free time can be a good thing - if it is channeled wisely! The secret is in how leisure is used. An appropriate question for each one of us might be this: "How do you spend your free time?"
There are some symptoms which become noticeable with regard to having problems during our free time. Here are some possibilities: (1) boredom - being bored, and not knowing what to do, during most of our leisure hours; (2) simple "busy-ness" - flitting from one thing to another, but not enjoying anything; not really knowing how to play; (3) "spectatoritis" - never having a desire for participation in an activity, but rather always wanting to watch others at play; and (4) non-living - just existing; becoming totally depressed and not wanting to be involved in a recreation activity or even watch others participating in games or fun activities.
A number of causes connected to leisure problems might be pointed out. Consider the following. Many people now have more leisure available because of a shorter work week. In more recent years, there has been a shift in working hours. In many cases, the home and the family has been restructured. The flight to the suburbs, and now the return to the center city, has perhaps contributed to leisure problems. Simply put, the increase in population has, no doubt, constituted a cause relating to problems of leisure. Developing industries and technology have also been contributing causes. Even our economy and transportation could be causes related to problems in our free time.
Several groups in our society have shown concern relating to the problems of leisure. Among these groups are the following: civic organizations, law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, Boys and Girls Clubs, the YMCA/YWCA/Family Y organizations, Boy Scout and Girl Scout organizations, recreation departments and organizations, the military, businesses and corporations, hospitals, and churches.
The good news is, the problems of leisure can be overcome. Leisure - free time - is not a bad thing. It is a wonderful thing! Even what perhaps seems to be too much free time can be a good thing - if it is channeled wisely! The secret is in how leisure is used. An appropriate question for each one of us might be this: "How do you spend your free time?"
posted by DrJ @ 2:32 PM
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