"The creative and rewarding use of leisure should be at

least as central a concern as the need for meaningful work."- Paul Wachtel, The Poverty of

Affluence

RecreationIs:• Individual• Has personal value• Meaningful• Fulfilling• Promotes joy and happiness• FUNctional• Brings out the best in you• Connects us in valuable ways• Creative• Motivating• Refreshing to mind, body and spirit• Voluntary• Growth

IS NOT:• Work• Cumbersome/chore• Mindless• Impersonal• Right or wrong• Aimless• Idleness• Sleeping• All consuming• Compulsive or addictive

Barriers• Time• Money• Fear of failure• Motivation/Energy• Lack of “know-how”• Lack of support from others• No “buddy” to do activity with• Not worthwhile or productive in other’s eyes

Don't let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries. 

~Astrid Alauda

What is good emotional health?

• Building and maintaining fulfilling relationships• A sense of contentment• A zest for living, laughing and having fun• The ability to deal with stress and adversity• A sense of meaning and purpose• Maintaining balance • Having Self confidence• Having good self-esteem• Ability to learn new things and adapt to change

Is stress making you sick?

• Do you feel out of control?• Do your reactions fit the situation?• Are many of your expectations unmet?• Do you experience painful losses?• Do you believe untruths about yourself?• Are your emotions toxic?

• Statistics reveal stress causes 80 – 90% of illness

- Two Forms of Stress -

Situational• Weather• Traffic• Other people’s behavior• Waiting for the cab :0)

Internal• Conflict between your

conscious and subconscious • Your interpretation of a

situation• Causes immune system to

break down, stress on internal organs

• Can result in compromised physical or emotional health

What can you do to relieve stress?

Stay socially active – have a support networkStay physically active - reduces disease, INCREASES

your energy levelGet a hobby - find a creative outlet that is personal

and meaningful to YOU!Be self reflective- examine where you are & where

you want to bePlay - recharge and revitalize your mindHave a healthy diet - you are what you eat!Be responsible and open-minded – nothing is ever

one sided, Seek help - be proud to seek out others that “have

something you want” and can help you get it!

Embrace mistakes – learn and move forwardSet goals – keep moving forwardBalance your free time – keep your mind active

Relaxing Activities:Take a walk, explore,Get “lost” in your community and see where you end upCook something interestingWrite a letter to someone, tell them you careListen to radio, music, sportscast, informational showDeclutter – a drawer or a room, it’s cleansingTake a hot bath/shower – pamper yourselfMeditate – focus on breathing, be still/quiet for 15 min.Read something that really interests youSwap unwanted stuff with friends or host a yard saleLearn “hello” and basic words in another languageVisit the library, church, local community center, park

* Most are free or low costHave a games night or scavenger huntRearrange your furniture

• Swim• Sing• Dance• Stretch/do

light Yoga• Birdwatch• Peoplewatch• Start a garden• Volunteer• Plant a tree• Start a group

How to have more fun in your life:

1. Find your playful side2. Define what “play” and “fun” means TO

YOU!3. Find examples of people that “play” as you

would like to and learn from them4. Invite friends to join you5. Do something “funny” at least once a week6.Laugh at yourself 7.Push your boundaries, do something you

have never done before, then do a little more!

Happy people:• Have a positive attitude, forgive• Don’t sweat the small stuff (and it’s all small stuff)• Avoid negative people, have happy friends!• Believe in something greater than themselves• Laugh often, laugh at themselves• Seek the good in others and are kind, considerate &

patient• Live life with goals, purpose and passion• Have defined morals and values and live up to them• Take time for themselves• Go with the flow• Do for others, share• Are thankful• Love who they are

SUCCESSTo laugh often and much; To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; To know even one life has breathed easier because

you have lived. This is to have succeeded.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803 - 1882) American Essayist & Poet

Successful People:• Are Open to new ideas• Are willing to dig in, work and learn• Are courageous, try new things, are willing to “fail”• Love to learn• Are committed to moving forward• Don’t give up• Are creative• Live well balanced lives• Are fun loving• Focus on their strengths

SUCCESS IS 2% talent and 98% showing up!

The happiest of people are rarely the richest, or the most beautiful, or even the most talented.

Happy people do not depend on excitement and ‘fun’ supplied by externals.

They enjoy the fundamental, often very simple, things of life. They waste no time thinking other pastures are greener; they do not yearn for yesterday or tomorrow. They savor the moment, glad to be alive, enjoying their work, their families and the good things around them.

They are adaptable; they can bend with the wind, adjust to the changes in their times, enjoy the contests of life, and feel themselves in harmony with the world.• Their eyes are turned outward and upward;

they are aware and compassionate.

They have the capacity to love.

- Unknown