But what is wholesome recreation? It is where you are active, doings things with your family or friends, and having a goal in mind while building your spirit and happiness. It can even be something restful liking reading a book, which exercises the mind and develops the imagination. Aristotle once said that happiness, or the good life, is living and acting well; it is the habit of virtuous actions. Happiness comes from thoughtfully choosing the right way to live (1). But wholesome recreation is not only pleasurable. It is meaningful and works toward a goal that benefits more than yourself. "It has been suggested that the glorification of the self, high-lighted by excessive materialism and abundant leisure opportunities, has created unrealistic expectations for personal happiness" (6) However, "Research has shown that happiness is not derived from pleasurable activities themselves; it is a by-product of more meaningful activities, such as service or working toward a goal or purpose larger than one's self" (7).
There are some things that I have started to cut out of my life and replace with uplifting activities. Example: Television. I don't see anything wrong with sitting down and watching a show or movie together. (I love some shows like Castle and Mythbusters) However, spending hours in front of the television is a waste of time. "Excessive television viewing has been blamed for decreased physical health, increased violence among children, and diminished interests in other wholesome pursuits" (2). Television stops creative thought and resorts to five to ten minute blips of action to keep people entertained. It especially makes me sad when parents sit their young children down in front of the television and think they are interacting with their family. The American Academy of Pediatrics said, "It may be tempting to use television, movies, and video games to keep your child busy, but your child need to spend as much time growing and learning as possible. Playing reading, and spending time with friends and family are much healthier than sitting in front of a TV screen." (3) They also do not recommend television for children age two or younger (4). I actually have a goal to not have cable in my home for the benefit of my children.
But there is time for both recreation and leisure. Too much of either overbalances you. I take plenty of naps in college (or else I would not be able to physically keep up with everything). But sleeping all day would affect me, my school, my relationships, and emotional state negatively. When you are active, whether it be hiking or playing racquetball, you are much less likely to be sad. Exercise a great example of wholesome activity that improves your mood plays positively into your lifestyle. "Improved self-esteem is a key benefit of regular physical activity" (5).
So with all the benefits of wholesome recreation to yourself, how does it benefit the family or marriage? In Strengthening Our Families it says, "Couples who take time for recreation renew their marriages. Parents who provide opportunities for wholesome recreational activity lay a foundation on which their children can build virtuous, happy lives. [It] also creates loving memories that lay the foundation for eternal relationships" (8). when you work or play together, you find a common likeness, enjoy time together, improve your mental, physical and emotion health, and have a goal you work towards.
So here are some ideas of wholesome recreational activities to do as a family, or with friends: Camping, fishing, Christmas caroling, Hiking, Stargazing, Fixing a car, playgrounds, museums or zoos, board games, building birdhouses, picnics, carving pumpkins, corn mazes, cleaning the house, snowshoeing, boating, crawdad fishing, climbing a mountain, biking, swimming, exploring a city, making a dinner, and serving others.
1. Aristotle (1982), Aristotle: Selected works, trans. H. G. Apostle and L. P. Gerson (Grinnell, IA: Peripatetic).
2. Robinson and Godbey (1997); J. Garbarino (1999), Lost boys: Why our sons turn violent and how we can save them (New York: Free Press).
3. Pediatrics (1999, August), 104(2), 341-343.
4. Pediatrics (1999).
5. Exercise and Depression, (http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/exercise-depression)
6. M. Seligman (1991), Learned optimism (New York: Knopf)
7. Dollahite. Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family. Brigham Young University, 2000. Pg. 194.
8. Dollahite. Strengthening Our Families: An In-Depth Look at the Proclamation on the Family. Brigham Young University, 2000. Pg. 190.
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