NSTP 1 CWTS MODULE: 8 RECREATION, PHY. FITNESS, AND WELLNESS

• Recreation is a kind of leisure activity, where leisure is defined as discretionary time. The "need to do something for recreation" is basic to human biology and psychology. Since recreational activities are usually undertaken for pleasure, satisfaction, or enjoyment, they are considered "fun".
• The term "leisure" refers to the free time that people have at their disposal.
• Characteristic of Recreation

  * Recreation is done voluntarily.

  * It is performed during free time.

  * Recreation is for social, emotional, and spiritual connection.

  * A reward

  * Recreation is flexible.

  * A problem-solver Recreation is an activity.

  * Recreation is not a single form.
• Physical Activity refers to the ability of your body's systems to work together harmoniously so that you can go about your daily life and stay healthy.
• Frequent exercise has been linked to lowered anxiety and depressive symptoms, happier moods, and better cognitive performance.
• Exercise contributes to the release of endorphins, which naturally elevate mood and reduce stress.
• Characteristic of Recreation

  * Recreation is done voluntarily.

  * It is performed during free time.

  * Recreation is for social, emotional, and spiritual connection.

  * A reward

  * Recreation is flexible.

  * A problem-solver

  * Recreation is an activity.

  * Recreation is not a single form.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

  Regular physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health by enhancing the efficiency of the heart and circulatory system.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: WEIGHT MANAGEMENT 

  Physical activity contributes to weight loss and weight maintenance by burning calories and increasing metabolism.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: MENTAL HEALTH

  Regular exercise is linked to improved mood, reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, and enhanced overall mental well-being.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: BONE HEALTH

  Weight-bearing exercises help maintain and increase bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: IMPROVED SLEEP

  Regular physical activity is associated with better sleep quality and can help alleviate sleep disorders.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: COGNITIVE FUNCTION

  Regular exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, attention, and executive function.
• Benefits of Regular Physical Activity: DIABETES PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT

  Physical activity is crucial in preventing and managing type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
• According to the American Heritage Medical Dictionary, wellness is the “condition of good physical, mental and emotional health, especially when maintained by an appropriate diet, exercise and other lifestyle modification .” It is further defined by the Mosby’s Medical Dictionary as a dynamic state of health in which an individual progresses toward a higher level functioning, achieving an optimum balance between internal and external environment’s.” Both health and wellness are terms that mean the ability to live life fully with vitality and meaning.
• Wellness is the act of practicing healthy habits daily to attain better physical and mental health outcomes, so that instead of just surviving, you’re thriving.
• To understand the significance of wellness, it’s important to understand how it’s linked to health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as being “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * The physical dimension recognizes the need for regular physical activity, healthy food choices, care for illness/injury, and the reduction of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, recreational drug use and excessive alcohol consumption. We encourage participation in activities that enhance our physical self!
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about one’s self and life. It includes the capacity to manage one’s feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one’s limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The well person maintains satisfying relationships with others. Awareness of, andaccepting a wide range of feelings in yourself and others is essential to wellness.
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * Using intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community, a well person cherishes intellectual growth and stimulation.
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * The social dimension encourages contributing to one’s environment and community. It emphasizes the interdependence between others and nature. As you travel a wellness path, you’ll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on multiple environments. You’ll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging healthier living and initiating better communication with those around you.
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * At the center of occupational wellness is the premise that occupational development is related to one’s attitude about one’s work. Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you’ll contribute your unique gifts, skills, and talents to work that is both personally meaningful and rewarding.
• 6 Dimensions of Wellness

  * The spiritual dimension recognizes our search for meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe.
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness

  ADEQUATE SLEEP

  Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, jitters, stress because your body does not get adequate time to repair itself each night. To improve your sleep, stop “brain work” at least an hour before bedtime, and eat no later than three hours before you go to

  bed to let your food digest. Decreased room temperatures help you sleep better, working with your body’s natural process of lowering its temperature as you sleep. Take a nap during the day to help maintain your alertness if you can’t get a full night’s sleep.
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness

  SMOKING CESSATION 

  Tobacco use leads to a number of health problems, including emphysema and lung cancer. An employee who smokes can cost an employer up to $1,300 more annually than a non-smoking worker, according to the Centers for Disease Control as reported by the Wellness Council of America. For this reason, many businesses offer smoking cessation programs to employees at no charge.
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness

     

  BETTER DIET

  The right diet provides your body with the macronutrients, vitamins and minerals it needs for peak performance. Diet can directly reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, hypertension, poor cholesterol, osteoporosis and diabetes. Work with a dietitian to learn your nutrition needs, which change as you get older. For example, teen girls and women need more iron, vitamin D and calcium as they age.

    
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness

  WEIGHT LOSS

  Keeping your weight at a healthy level can help reduce joint pain, back pain and help prevent heart attack, stroke and diabetes. The American Wellness Council estimates that businesses lose 100 million employee workdays annually from lower back pain.
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness

  STRESS RELIEF

  If you have a stressful job, difficult personal situation or other factors in your life that cause you worry and anxiety, stress-reduction activities can help reduce related health problems, which can include high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack. Stress can make you snap at coworkers or release your negativity to family members. De-stress with exercise, music, counseling, yoga or other activities that take your mind off your problems.

     
• Behaviors that Contribute to Wellness.

  EXERCISE

  Exercise provides a host of wellness benefits for your mind and body. Regular exercise can improve your “good” cholesterol levels, help you lose weight, improve heart health, increase muscular endurance and build muscle. During exercise, your body produces more endorphins, neurotransmitters that help you feel relaxed and positive.