Favorite Leisure Activities

AS INDIVIDUALS in modern society, the things we prefer to do during our free time is exceedingly different. What one person might really enjoy, the next person might not like near as much - or perhaps not at all. My own experience as a former recreation practitioner, and now as a retired recreation and leisure educator, reaffirms that leisure choices are not the same for everyone.
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With this notion in mind, I thought it would be interesting to conduct an informal investigation. There was only one question on the survey: "What is your favorite leisure activity?" Or, asking in different words, "What do you most enjoy doing during free time?"

The survey was conducted during the month of December 2010, and was sent to 124 people. The number of responses received was 64 - representing a 51.6 % return. The number of different activities reported as favorite leisure choices totaled 48.

Those surveyed included individuals representing both sexes; and, age groups ranging from youth to senior adults. Respondents came from a wide variety of geographic locations, family and educational backgrounds, as well as work and career-related experiences. Actual responses included one-word answers; a phrase indicating a single answer; and, two or more activities indicating that all mentioned were equal as favorites.

There were several interesting answers to the survey question. For example, a professional in camping from Arkansas said, "Standing in a hot shower." A youth minister from Missouri said, "Riding my Street Strider." A Florida high school sophomore answered, "Hanging with friends, and singing." A homemaker and mother from Kansas reported, "Reflecting, journaling, and reading." A retiree from Michigan responded, "Sitting under an umbrella on a beach in Destin." A pastor from the Ozarks said, "Reading a great novel while listening to smooth jazz." A wife and mother from Minnesota wrote, "Baking homemade bread made from scratch." A Southern Belle from Kentucky confessed, "Eating out, and reading Christian fiction." And, a former professor in southwest Missouri said, "Taking day trips to local spots of interest."

The results of the survey were most interesting. Here are the top four choices of favorite leisure activities: (#1) reading; (#2) spending time with family; (#3) watching movies; and (#4) biking/cycling. Tied in rank order as #5 were the following: fishing, motorcycle riding, golf, and walking. Tied at #6 were: spending time with friends, and painting. And, tied at #7 were the following: landscaping and yard work, singing, watching sports, travel, table games, shopping, and watching TV.

Several other activities were mentioned but not ranked. Here they are: writing, disc golf, walking, officiating sports, woodworking, riding 4-wheelers, playing the guitar, running, basketball, scuba diving, listening to music, camping, photography, home repair, theatre, playing the piano, exercising, making jewelry, watching sunsets, praying, kayaking, hunting, being on the computer/Internet, and needlework.

Heartfelt thanks are expressed to those who responded to this survey. And, to others who are faithful readers of Leisure Lines, perhaps the survey question is important for you to consider also. What is your favorite leisure activity? Answering that question - even in your own mind - may be just enough incentive for you to "carve-out" more free time from a busy schedule, and to enjoy your leisure more often.