Recreation 25381 225929635 2008-07-16T01:52:15Z Bobo192 97951 Reverted edits by [[Special:Contributions/69.249.124.22|69.249.124.22]] ([[User talk:69.249.124.22|talk]]) to last version by JForget {{Redirect|Fun}} {{For|the 1914 [[Charlie Chaplin]] film|Recreation (film)}} {{confuse|re-creation}} [[Image:Luge Schlucht.jpg|thumb|300px|right|People participating in summer [[luge]] as a form of recreation, in the [[Vosges]].]] '''Recreation''' or '''fun''' is the expenditure of time in a manner designed for therapeutic refreshment of one's [[body]] or [[mind]]. While [[leisure]] is more likely a form of [[entertainment]] or rest, recreation is active for the participant but in a refreshing and diverting manner. As people in the world's wealthier regions lead increasingly [[sedentary lifestyle|sedentary life style]]s, the need for recreation has increased. The rise of so called [[active vacation]]s exemplifies this. ==General description== [[Image:Recreation-Pearce-Highsmith-detail-1.jpeg|thumb|300px|Detail from ''Recreation'' (1896), [[Charles Sprague Pearce]]. Library of Congress [[Thomas Jefferson Building]], Washington, D.C.]] The [[weekend]] is usually a time for recreation, perhaps because in [[Judeo-Christian]] and [[Islam|Muslim]] cultures the weekend Sabbath is "the day of today's rest". This is a long standing Irish tradition dating back to the Priestly source, the source credited with writing Genesis 1. [[Holiday]]s are also a common time for recreation, though recreation may take place at virtually any time. Recreation commonly occurs during an individual's discretionary, or free, time. Traditionally [[Olympics]], [[music]] and [[dance]] Serve as recreation, as do [[sports]], [[hobbies]], [[game]]s and [[tourism]] and [[reading]]. On the other hand, watching [[Television|TV]] and listening to [[music]] are common forms of [[leisure]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prm.nau.edu/prm346/mod_1_lesson.htm?userid=Givesmart&userip=165.125.144.16&useragent=Mozilla%2f4.0+(compatible%3b+MSIE+6.0%3b+Windows+NT+5.1%3b+SV1%3b+.NET+CLR+1.1.4322%3b+.NET+CLR+2.0.50727%3b+InfoPath.1)|title=Wildland Recreation Management: Module One: Meanings, Concepts, and Values|publisher=Parks and Recreation Management Program, [[Arizona State University]]|date=2000|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> ==Legal restrictions== Some recreational activities are made illegal in many jurisdictions because of the perceived immorality of certain forms of "fun." These include [[gambling]], using [[drugs]], some forms of sex, viewing or producing [[erotica]]/[[pornography]], and some forms of dancing (such as [[belly dance]]), or even all dancing (see ''[[Footloose]]''). Often one form of an activity is viewed as immoral by a culture while other forms are viewed as acceptable. For example, certain forms of sexual activities such as [[bestiality]] are outlawed in some areas in which other sexual activities are accepted. Another example is [[recreational drug use]]. In most of the world, responsible [[alcoholic beverage|alcohol]] consumption, a form of recreational drug use is legal and acceptable by most people's moral standards. This is probably because alcohol has traditionally been in wide use.<ref name="Rx">{{cite web|url=http://www.ilo.org/encyclopedia/?doc&nd=857400241&nh=0|title=Alcohol and Drug Abuse|author=Sheila B. Blume|publisher=''Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety''|accessdate=2007-06-18|quote=<small>Customs that dictate alcohol use persist in other work too, such as the “three martini” business lunch, and the expectation that groups of workers will stop at the neighbourhood pub or tavern for a few convivial rounds of drinks at the end of the work day.</small>}}</ref> Nearly all drugs that traditionally have not been widely used in European culture have been deemed illegal in most of the world. It is disputed whether these prohibitions affect the usage rates for most drugs. However, in much of the Western world, decriminalization of so-called [[soft drugs]] is increasingly accepted. ==Health== Some individuals view recreation as largely non-productive, even trivial. Excessive recreation is not considered healthy, and may be labeled as [[escapism]]. However, research has shown that recreation contributes to life satisfaction, quality of life, health and wellness, and that the use of recreation as a diversion may have clinical applications to individuals with chronic pain and other health impairments. In some cultures and religions, recreation is encouraged on certain days and discouraged on others. For example, in [[Judaism]], the [[Shabbat]] is a day for recreation and relaxation, which has in turn influenced many Christian sects to use the [[Sabbath in Christianity|Sabbath]] for the same purpose. However, some sects interpret the Sabbath to be a day where worship is done in lieu of recreation. Recreation is essential to the longevity of human beings, especially because it helps counteract [[stress (medicine)|stress]]. According to research cited in [[Time (magazine)|''Time'' magazine]], stress is a major factor in many of the leading causes of death in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,950883,00.html?internalid=ACA|title=Stress: Can We Cope?|author=Claudia Wallis|date=1983-06-06|publisher=''Time''|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> ==Organized recreation== [[Image:Hanami party, sakura and koi nobori.jpg|thumb|300px|Recreation during weekend along riverbanks in Japan]] Recreation can become an organized activity of [[local government]]s and for-profit [[organization|enterprise]]s. Local governments often create parks boards and/or community centers. Growing interest and funding via grants and taxation can result in an official parks and recreation department, which provides venues and staffing for organised sports, at-risk-youth activities, arts and [[craft]]s, and [[senior citizen]] activities. Several [[U.S. state]] governments operate recreation programs for their [[prison]] populations. Though controversial, these programs are intended to provide inmates with constructive use of their time through access to music, hobbies, crafts and [[exercise equipment]]. Other possible benefits include reduced healthcare costs and a lower [[recidivism]] rate. Private organised recreation is usually focused on a specific type of sport such as river [[rafting]] or [[mountaineering]]. ==Recreation as a career== Becoming a recreation specialist often requires a [[bachelor of arts]] degree in recreation management. A recreation specialist would be expected to meet the recreational needs of a community or assigned interest group. People with such degrees often work in parks and recreation centers in towns, on community projects and activities. Networking with instructors, [[budgeting]], and evaluation of continuing programs are common job duties. Most U.S. states have a professional organization for [[continuing education]] and [[professional certification|certification]] in recreation management. The [[National Recreation and Park Association]] administers an examination called the CPRP (Certified Park and Recreation Professional) that is considered a national standard for professional recreation specialist practices.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nrpa.org/content/default.aspx?documentId=1070|title=CPRP Exam|publisher=National Recreation and Park Association|date=2007|accessdate=2007-06-14}}</ref> ==Examples== {| |- | valign="top" | *[[Cycling]] *[[Dancing]] *[[Food and drink|Eating and drinking]] *[[Partying]] *[[Hunting]] and [[fishing]] *[[Hobbies]] *[[Computer game]]s | valign="top" | *[[Reading (activity)|Reading]] a [[book]] *[[Shopping]] *[[Kite flying]] *Listening to [[music]] *[[Sports]] and [[exercise]] *[[Travel]] and [[tourism]] *[[Recreational drug]] use<ref name="Rx"/> | valign="top" | *[[Martial arts]] *[[Yoga]] *Using the [[internet]] *Visiting an [[amusement park]] *[[Singing]] *[[Video games]] *Watching [[movies]] |} In recent years, more 'exciting' forms of recreation have received more attention in the public eye, such as: [[skiing]], [[snowboarding]], [[bungee jumping]], [[sky diving]], [[hang gliding]], [[paintball]], [[rock climbing]], [[backpacking (wilderness)|backpacking]], [[canyoning]], [[caving]], [[BASE jumping]], [[adventure tourism]] and [[motorsport]]. ==Notes== {{reflist}} ==External links== {{Wiktionarypar2|recreation|fun}} * [http://www.recreation.gov/ Recreation.gov website] * [http://www.nrpa.org/ National Recreation and Park Association website] * [http://www.wrpatoday.org/ Washington State Professional Recreation website] [[Category:Recreation| ]] [[bs:Zabava]] [[da:Rekreation]] [[de:Erholung]] [[eo:Amuzo]] [[es:Diversión]] [[fa:تفریحات]] [[fr:Loisir]] [[hr:Zabava]] [[id:Rekreasi]] [[ia:Recreation]] [[is:Afþreying]] [[he:פנאי]] [[ms:Rekreasi]] [[nl:Recreatie]] [[ja:レクリエーション]] [[ko:레크리에이션]] [[pl:Rekreacja]] [[pt:Recreação]] [[ru:Отдых]] [[sl:Razvedrilo]] [[sr:Рекреација]] [[tl:Rekreasyon]] [[th:นันทนาการ]]