Recreational wellbeing
This pillar is about finding an activity that you enjoy, something that helps you switch off outside work, it can be active and social or it can be quiet and relaxing. It is about finding something that we can give our focus to, whether it be ballroom dancing, crafting or playing sport etc, that gives us a sense of enjoyment and flow. Moreover, it has been shown in the literature to be helpful in reducing stress, improving mental health and even help us to feel motivated and excited about life.
If you are thinking there is no way I could fit in a hobby or time for myself with my lifestyle (perhaps you have long working hours and/or caring responsibilities), then ironically having recreational time might be something you should consider prioritising. By prioritising some time for yourself, where the rest of life quietens down for a period of time, it makes sustaining busy and emotionally demanding lifestyles and careers more possible.
The aims of this pillar may overlap with the other six pillars of self-care, how it does this depends on your own personal needs right now.
It may be useful to consider what part of your self-care is lacking and try to combine fulfillment of this need with something you enjoy.
If you are feeling lonely and underactive, perhaps joining a local sports team could be the right fit for you, or signing up to take part in a local drama production. If you need quiet time and relaxation and you don’t have an outlet for your creative side, then learning a new skill such as knitting, painting or pottery could inspire you.
There is evidence that creative arts can improve your mental health, these include things like painting, crafting, music and drama. Studies have shown that creative arts can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Colouring in, for example has been shown to reduce feelings of anxiety because it is a way of being mindful (see Mental wellbeing).
Producing music, art and performing including dance and different types of drama are all ways to express ourselves and give an outlet to some of the things we are feeling. It doesn’t have to be in an art gallery or on stage to have this effect. Dancing in your kitchen while you cook dinner or singing at the top of your voice in the shower are just as powerful and things we can all try!
