But what IS Recreation?

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If you watch a game, it's fun. If you play it, it's recreation. If you work at it, it's golf. -Bob Hope

What may feel like Recreation to one person, may feel like work to another!  The question is- what is it that you love?  What is it that you could spend endless hours doing?  
     Can't answer that?  Don't worry.  You're not alone. A Federal Statistics report from 2016 shows that nearly 50% of Americans have a difficult time knowing how to spend their free time.  When recreation feels inaccessible,  that could be due to cost or lack of knowledge of what to do or even social anxiety of trying to do something new. Americans of all ages and abilities are at risk of addiction, poor relationship skills, loneliness and depression, illness or other risks.  Furthermore, adults, children or youth with sensory, physical or emotional obstacles can easily become more isolated.  65% of people who receive mental health services report that they have NO idea how to spend their free time, how to meet others or what it is makes them happy.    

When you think of Recreation you might think of exercise (which has its benefits!) however, recreation isn't just physical activity- Recreation is involving your mind or body in tasks that produce pleasure to you!  Sometimes that might be watching a movie- but if we only watched movies in our free time we wouldn't be our happiest selves!

A study in 2014 of over 700 people showed a correlation between improved mental health and only two hours a week of feeling engaged in arts activities.  


​Recreation Therapy is a short-term service that exists to help people identify WHAT they love and how to MAKE it happen.  It helps people evaluate their lifestyle, their obstacles to recreation and assists them in participating in Recreation in ways that are meaningful to them.  A Recreational Therapist will help you identify activities that are interesting to you- and help you learn how to do them and to use them in a way that helps you overcome.  Don't know where to begin?  Start here.  Living Well RT offers free consultation, and sliding scale services, to help individuals learn what they love and reclaim life.  It's low pressure, fun and affordable.  Are you ready to live well?      

     

Real Client Testimonials 

I had no idea I would love swimming so much... 

The idea of going to a Museum by myself used to have me panicked... I am more confident pursuing things I love than I have ever been!  Now I make my own art at home and attend social art groups.

"I used to think I couldn't afford to do anything!  Now I could tell you a long list of all the things I can do- without spending any money.    

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THE WEBSTER DICTIONARY DEFINES RECREATION IN THIS WAY:

rec·re·a·tion1
ˌrekrēˈāSH(ə)n/
noun
noun: recreation; plural noun: recreations; noun: re-creation; plural noun: re-creations

1. activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
   "areas used for recreation such as hiking or biking"
   synonyms:pleasure, leisure, relaxation, fun, enjoyment, entertainment, amusement; 
   antonyms:work

rec·re·a·tion2
ˌrēkrēˈāSH(ə)n/
noun
noun: recreation; noun: re-creation

1. the action or process of creating something again.
   "the periodic destruction and recreation of the universe"
   • a re-enactment or simulation of something.
     plural noun: recreations; plural noun: re-creations

HOW DO YOU DEFINE RECREATION?