The Lost Art of Leisure Time!

Ah, the lost art of leisure time! It’s a fascinating topic, especially in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world where productivity often feels like the ultimate goal. Leisure used to be considered a vital part of life—a time for rejuvenation, creativity, reflection, and connection with others. Ancient cultures, such as the Greeks and Romans, even saw leisure (from the Latin otium) as an essential component of a well-lived life, linked to contemplation and intellectual growth.

Today, though, leisure often gets sidelined, viewed as “wasted” time or overshadowed by a culture that celebrates busyness and constant achievement. People tend to fill their “free” moments with distractions, like mindlessly scrolling through social media, instead of truly engaging in restorative or fulfilling activities. This can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a general feeling of disconnection from oneself and others.

Reviving leisure as an intentional practice is about more than just relaxation; it’s about nourishing the soul, fostering creativity, and reconnecting with what makes life meaningful. Whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, or simply allowing yourself to do nothing, true leisure can be an antidote to modern-day stress. It’s about giving yourself permission to exist outside the demands of productivity and embracing moments of stillness or joy.

As a health coach, I already appreciate how important leisure is for mental and physical well-being. Helping others rediscover this “lost art” could be key to fostering a more balanced, fulfilling life!

Absolutely! Observing how kids spend their downtime can offer fascinating insights into the natural state of leisure, before the pressures of productivity, responsibility, or societal expectations fully set in. Kids tend to be innately curious, imaginative, and drawn to activities that bring them joy or satisfy a deep need for exploration.

When left to their own devices, children often engage in pure forms of leisure, such as:

• Unstructured play: They create their own games, explore their environment, and make up stories. This kind of free play fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, and emotional resilience.
• Daydreaming or exploration: Kids often wander in thought or engage with their surroundings in a way that feels spontaneous. It’s a way for them to process the world around them without any specific goal in mind.
• Social bonding: Whether playing with peers or spending time with family, kids value connection and   build their leisure around relationships. There’s an easy, natural flow to how they interact when they’re not guided by a rigid structure.
• Rest or boredom: Interestingly, kids are not always “doing” something during downtime. Sometimes they get bored, and from that boredom, new ideas and activities emerge. This is important, as boredom can often lead to creativity and self-reflection.

A challenge like observing kids during their downtime could reveal how leisure is instinctively tied to well-being and growth. It might even inspire adults to reconnect with their inner child—exploring leisure without an agenda or self-imposed expectations.

Could this one activity of observing kids during their down time be a way to help adults rediscover joy in their free time? I say Yes!!!!!!!

Where do I start? Hahaha! I am all about leisure time. Early morning sunlight time outside with my favorite warm drink no matter if the weather is cool or warm, dress appropriately, listen to the nature abound, feel the sun and breeze on your skin. I love the sun, if it’s midday when the sun comes out and I am at home, I will go out and lay in the sun (15 minuets front/15 minutes back) and listen to hertz frequencies or a “book on tape” Haha! I am dating myself there. You know on Audible or one of those book apps. I love a walk on the beach and watching the sunset as well.

Joy is a powerful and often underestimated force in today’s society. It goes beyond fleeting happiness or surface-level pleasure—it’s a deep, soul-enriching emotion that can transform how we experience life. Yet, in the hustle of modern life, joy often feels rare or overshadowed by stress, anxiety, and the pressure to constantly “do” and “achieve.”

At its core, joy is spontaneous and unburdened. It’s found in moments of presence, connection, and appreciation. Unlike happiness, which is often tied to external circumstances or outcomes, joy can arise from within, independent of those factors. It can be triggered by simple things: laughter, a beautiful sunset, a moment of connection, or even a sense of inner peace.

In today’s society, joy is often treated as a luxury rather than a necessity, but it’s essential for mental and emotional well-being. We live in a world that values productivity, efficiency, and material success, often at the expense of our capacity for joy. This leaves people feeling depleted, disconnected, or even trapped in a cycle of stress.

However, joy is not just a nice-to-have. It boosts our resilience, creativity, and ability to form meaningful connections. Research even shows that joy has positive effects on health, such as reducing stress, improving heart health, and boosting the immune system. In a sense, joy is not only a source of emotional nourishment but also a catalyst for holistic well-being.

As a health coach, I help people rediscover joy by encouraging practices that foster it. Mindfulness, gratitude, playfulness, and creative expression can all be avenues for inviting more joy into daily life. By helping clients shift their focus from what they should be doing to what genuinely lights them up, you offer them a path to deeper fulfillment and resilience.

In my elementary school years, playing outside, in the street is more like it, after school we played kickball, kick the can, hide and seek, keep away tag. When I was old enough I started playing structured sports like baseball, volleyball, basketball, track & field – it seemed when the season changed so did the sport season, so I played sports year round.  How would it feel to play these games/sports again? I did learn pickelball last week and that was so fun.  I definitely want to play more pickelball.  Playing sports and games as adults offers a wealth of benefits that enhance both physical and mental well-being, as well as social and emotional health. Engaging in physical activity and playful competition can significantly enrich adult life in several ways:

Sports and active games are a fun way to stay physically fit. Regular participation can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, enhance flexibility, and improve coordination. As adults age, maintaining mobility and strength becomes increasingly important, and playing sports can help delay the physical decline associated with aging. Benefits include:

• Weight management and improved metabolism.
• Stronger heart and lungs, reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke.
• Bone health improvements, especially for weight-bearing sports that help maintain bone density.
• Better immune function, as regular exercise boosts the body’s natural defenses.

Playing sports and games has numerous psychological benefits, contributing to sharper cognitive skills and better mental health. Some key impacts include:

• Stress relief: Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins—feel-good hormones that reduce stress and improve mood. Playing a game is an excellent way to unwind and escape daily pressures.
• Improved focus and concentration: Strategic games and fast-paced sports require quick thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving. These activities can help improve cognitive function and delay cognitive decline.
• Reduced risk of anxiety and depression: Engaging in sports can foster a sense of accomplishment, build self-esteem, and boost overall emotional well-being.
• Mental resilience: Dealing with wins, losses, and challenges in sports can help build emotional strength and adaptability, which can carry over into other areas of life.

One of the most rewarding aspects of playing sports as an adult is the social connection it fosters. In a world where many adults struggle with loneliness or social isolation, joining a sports team or playing games offers:

• Social bonding: Sports bring people together, fostering friendships and a sense of belonging. Being part of a team builds camaraderie, communication, and mutual support.
• Collaboration and teamwork: Working together toward a common goal on the field translates into better collaboration and communication skills off the field. These skills are vital in both personal and professional settings.
• Healthy competition: Competitive sports teach people how to handle wins and losses gracefully. Learning to balance ambition with fairness, patience, and humility is valuable in daily life.

Sports and games rekindle a sense of playfulness that often fades in adulthood. Play is essential for creativity, emotional well-being, and joy. Engaging in sports allows adults to:

• Rediscover fun and laughter: Playful competition and physical activity can generate pure joy, helping to relieve tension and bring a sense of lightness to life.
• Connect with the inner child: Adults often lose touch with their innate sense of curiosity and joy. Playing sports can bring back that childlike sense of freedom and exploration.
• Break from routine: Playing sports or games offers a mental reset from the pressures of work or family responsibilities, allowing people to refresh and return to tasks with renewed energy.

Participating in sports requires commitment, discipline, and regular practice. These habits can positively influence other areas of life:

• Setting and achieving goals: Whether it’s training for a race or improving a personal best, sports teach adults how to set realistic goals, stay motivated, and persevere through challenges.
• Time management: Balancing work, family, and sports participation requires better organization and prioritization, helping adults develop stronger time management skills.
• Accountability and consistency: The structure of sports can encourage regular participation, fostering a sense of responsibility to oneself and, in team sports, to others.

Playing sports and games builds confidence by providing clear, tangible progress markers, whether through improved performance, fitness gains, or team achievements. This boost in self-esteem can positively influence:

• Personal growth: Meeting challenges and pushing personal limits in a sport often leads to greater confidence in other areas of life.
• Body image and self-perception: Regular exercise can improve how one feels about their body and physical capabilities, contributing to a healthier self-image.

Sports continually present opportunities for learning and growth, from mastering new skills to developing strategies and tactics:

• Learning new skills: Whether it’s a new sport or improving in a familiar one, the learning process is ongoing and fulfilling.
• Resilience and adaptability: Sports teach adults how to handle setbacks, adjust to new challenges, and develop a growth mindset.

Playing sports as an adult contributes to a longer, healthier life. The physical, mental, and emotional benefits combined help improve overall quality of life as people age:

• Healthy aging: Regular physical activity helps maintain mobility, cognitive function, and social engagement, all of which are key to aging gracefully.
• Increased life satisfaction: The sense of purpose, connection, and vitality that comes from regular play leads to a more fulfilling life.

Incorporating sports and games into adult life isn’t just about staying fit—it’s about enhancing overall well-being, building resilience, and fostering joy and connection. As a health coach I encourage my clients to play sports or incorporate games into their week to promote a joyful life.

The debate between reading real books and electronic books often comes down to personal preference and specific contexts, with each having its unique advantages.

1. Tactile Experience: There’s something irreplaceable about the feel of a physical book—the texture of the pages, the weight in your hands, even the smell of a freshly printed or well-worn book. This sensory experience can enhance focus and immersion, making reading feel more intentional and connected.
2. Visual Memory: With a physical book, it’s often easier to remember where certain information is located because you can recall the position on the page or the thickness of the book at that point. This spatial memory can make learning and retaining information easier.
3. Uninterrupted Focus: Real books offer fewer distractions. You’re not tempted to check emails, browse the internet, or get lost in notifications while reading, which allows for deeper concentration and relaxation.
4. Nostalgia and Sentiment: For many, physical books carry sentimental value. Owning a book, having it sit on a shelf, and even passing it down through generations can be deeply meaningful. Books can be cherished objects, reflecting memories of the time and place you read them.

1. Convenience and Portability: One of the biggest advantages of eBooks is convenience. You can carry an entire library with you on a single device, making it easy to read anytime, anywhere. eBooks are ideal for travelers, commuters, or those with limited space for physical books.
2. Searchability and Highlighting: eBooks make it easy to search for specific words or phrases, highlight sections, and take notes without marking up a physical copy. This is especially useful for research, learning, or quickly referencing something you’ve read.
3. Adjustable Text and Lighting: eBooks offer customization that can enhance comfort—adjustable text size, fonts, and background colors, which can be beneficial for people with visual impairments or reading preferences. Many devices also have built-in lighting, allowing for reading in low-light conditions.
4. Eco-friendly Option: From a sustainability perspective, eBooks can be considered more environmentally friendly, as they don’t require paper, printing, or physical transportation. However, the manufacturing and eventual disposal of electronic devices do come with their own environmental considerations.

• Deep Focus vs. Multitasking: Some research suggests that people may skim or scan more when reading on a screen, as opposed to the deeper, more linear focus that physical books encourage. This can affect comprehension and retention of information.
• Eye Strain: Reading on a digital device for extended periods can lead to eye strain, especially with prolonged screen exposure, something not typically experienced with physical books. However, many eReaders are now designed with e-ink technology, which mimics paper and is gentler on the eyes.

In reality, many people find a balance between the two. Physical books are often preferred for immersive or leisurely reading, while eBooks are great for convenience, travel, and reference material. Both formats have their place in a modern reading life.

Ultimately, the “best” format depends on individual needs and circumstances. What’s most important is not the format, but the act of reading itself—the engagement with ideas, stories, and knowledge. I find myself leaning toward real books over electronic books when recommending reading material to my clients, especially in terms of the wellness benefits.

Slowing down and being alone with our thoughts can be surprisingly difficult in today’s fast-paced, always-connected world. There are several psychological, emotional, and cultural reasons for this:

We live in an era of constant stimulation—phones, social media, emails, and a barrage of notifications that fill every spare moment. Over time, this can create a habit of distraction, where we become conditioned to seek external input, avoiding the quiet space needed for introspection. The brain gets accustomed to this fast-paced input, making silence or stillness feel uncomfortable, even unsettling.

In modern society, boredom is often seen as something negative, something to escape from. In reality, boredom is a natural state that can lead to creativity and self-reflection, but it requires sitting with discomfort. Many people resist slowing down because they fear boredom or feeling unproductive, equating doing nothing with wasting time.

Being alone with our thoughts can bring up uncomfortable emotions, unresolved issues, or anxieties we may have pushed aside. Slowing down can force us to confront these feelings. For many, this is challenging, as it requires emotional honesty and vulnerability. It’s often easier to stay busy or distracted than to sit with unresolved emotions like stress, sadness, or fear.

Our culture places a high value on productivity, achievement, and the “hustle” mindset. Slowing down is often viewed as lazy or unambitious, creating guilt around rest and relaxation. This can make it difficult to embrace stillness or introspection without feeling like we should be doing something more “valuable.”

When we slow down, we venture into the unknown territory of our inner world. For some, this can feel unsettling, especially if they haven’t cultivated a practice of self-reflection. The mind can wander to thoughts of existential questions or uncertainties about the future, which may be uncomfortable or overwhelming to face without distractions.

For many, being constantly busy has become a way of life. It creates a sense of control and purpose, even if that busyness isn’t always productive or fulfilling. Slowing down can feel like a loss of identity or a break in the routine. We may not know what to do with ourselves when we’re not occupied, making the shift to stillness feel foreign or even stressful.

Many people have become dependent on digital devices for a sense of connection and validation. The fear of missing out (FOMO) drives people to stay connected, check social media, and fill moments of silence with external input. This dependency makes it hard to embrace solitude and disconnect from the noise of daily life.

Some people simply aren’t used to being alone with their thoughts and don’t know how to engage in meaningful self-reflection. Without tools like mindfulness, journaling, or meditation, slowing down can feel aimless, leaving people unsure of what to do with their thoughts once they have space to think.

Slowing down and being comfortable with our thoughts is a skill that can be cultivated. Here are a few practices that help:

• Mindfulness and Meditation: These practices can train the mind to sit with thoughts without judgment, allowing people to observe their internal world with curiosity instead of fear or discomfort.
• Journaling: Writing down thoughts can help process emotions and ideas, creating a structured way to engage with one’s inner self.
• Nature Walks: Being in nature allows for a quieter, more reflective environment, helping ease into the habit of slowing down.
• Breathwork or Yoga: These practices ground the body and mind, helping create a calm space where introspection feels more accessible.

Ultimately, slowing down and being alone with our thoughts can be a pathway to greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and creativity. However, it requires practice, patience, and a willingness to embrace the discomfort that often comes with stillness.

I encourage my clients to slow down and cultivate introspection in their lives even if it’s only 5 minutes a day to start, especially if they struggle with it. Believe it or not, when we are uncomfortable is when we grow and learn the most about ourselves.

To Joy and Health,

Jill