Free Time as Emotional Release
It’s time to start considering free time an act of emotional release. It’s time to prioritize it just like you prioritize working, eating, and resting. Free time is the time you dedicate to recreational activities. For a complete definition, we’ll talk about some activities that we do voluntarily.
The difference between leisure activities and obligatory ones is relative to each person. For some, music, drawing, and cooking can be free time activities, while other people consider them work activities. This is why it’s important for everyone to find a free time activity that lets them disconnect from work.
Free time activities benefit your mind and body in many ways. They help you rest, have fun, relax, and even socialize with others.
Below, we’ll talk about the benefits of free time as emotional release. It just helps you feel better!
The benefits of free time activities as emotional release
Leisure activities have excellent physical, mental, and emotional health benefits. Since it improves your mood, it boosts personal motivation and makes you less vulnerable to stress. Also, it definitely helps you face different problems that might come your way.
For this reason, it’s important for every person who wants to be healthy to find a balance between free time and work activities.
You might think that this is easier said than done. Maybe you think that free time is associated with spending money. Although this is reflected in statistics, it doesn’t have to be that way. Another common argument is regarding lack of time and/or ideas.
The key is to initially invest in searching for and reorganizing your time. Adopting an open attitude will also work in your favor. Remember that you’re never too old to change your routine or decide to explore new paths!
Some specialists indicate free time activities because their beneficial effects on the body and the mind are surprising. Here are a few:
- They favor cardiac health since they improve breathing and circulation.
- They help improve digestion, helping you avoid irregularities.
- These activities boost creativity and imagination.
- Leisure activities boost the immune system.
- They consolidate and expand your support group.
- Fun activities reduce anxiety.
- They allow you to drain all the negative emotions you build up.
Sports and emotional release
Playing a sport is one of the best activities to channel stress and drain negative emotions. They don’t only help your body feel good physically and get more energy. They also disconnect you from your routine.
Biologically, humans are designed to move. Actually, you’ve probably felt that you’ve “found yourself” a few times when you’ve played sports. You might have said to yourself: “I have to do this more!”
All sports are beneficial (although it’s true that some sports are risky). Yes, the variety can sometimes be overwhelming. But being more conservative and prudent doesn’t justify leading a sedentary life.
Video games and emotional release
Video games can also be considered a free time activity. They can help you, like any other leisure activity, to disconnect from your worries. Statistics prove that more and more people are turning to the virtual world to develop their abilities. Failing in this realm is inconsequential, unlike failing in reality.
You can use video games as emotional regulators. This is because video games can help put you in a better mood, making it easier to deal with emotions such as rage and sadness.
Some researchers, such as Ferguson and Rueda (2010), have argued that video games can model positive situations and allow you to practice emotional regulation. This is especially true when you’re dealing with emotions such as frustration or anxiety.
In conclusion, you should definitely go ahead and take some free time for yourself. It’s worth it!
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
Cañellas Artigues, C. (2014). Videojuegos, Nativos Digitales y Salud Mental: más allá de la ficción. Trabajo Final de Grado. Islas Baleares: Universidad de las Islas Baleares.