Some people merely spend their leisure time; others enjoy it. Keep in mind that your hobby might be another’s work. The sort of recreation you pick isn’t as important as the enthusiasm and curiosity that results. A good sign that you have chosen a worthwhile recreation occurs when although you may thoroughly enjoy your work, you still look forward to your “free time.” Play has its own unique release, spontaneity, and creativity. Stamp collecting, for instance, doesn’t sound like a particularly playful activity; but it could lead to a study of government, illustration, history, culture, etc.

Any sport can be the stepping stone to a greater understanding of the human body, the psychology of mind over matter, and the discipline practice. Piano-playing can lead to a study of harmony and physics or perhaps to entertaining confirmed individuals, friends, or neighbors. Gardening can lead us to a study of snails, earthworms, or any of nature’s cycles. It can give us a feeling of accomplishment and the pleasant feeling of relaxation.

Another sign of healthy fun will be your unwillingness to stop once you have started. When we have good times, we always have something to look forward to. Rather than running from life, we find ourselves looking ahead, anxiously, for the next surprise, just as we did when we were still in school. Leisure has the power to do that for us. It can be our time of renewal. It can be a time to bring ourselves back into balance – back to homeostasis.

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  Play can be childlike. It can magically create in your new curiosity, wonder, and awe. It can teach you all over again what abandonment, joy, delight, and silliness feel like. It can teach you what it feels to take yourself a little less seriously.

   Choose leisure activities that generate enthusiasm, permit you to let go, and produce feelings of self-esteem. They will create an environment that is both nurturing and of interest to you. It will also help develop and maintain your sense of humor, and good humor means good health.