THE IMPACT OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES ON MENTAL HEALTH

Abstract

Recreational activity is a complex concept that is often associated to potentially useful elements such as social interaction, exposure to fresh air, or outdoor exercise. Physical activity plays an important role in the improvement of mental health. Processes of recreational activity affecting the overall well-being and mental health are very complex. Therefore, it is very difficult to determine the element of behaviour and activity that will certainly benefit engagement in physical activity. Encouraging physical activity is an indispensable action of many health and educational programmes and institutions, and they are supported by an increasing number of studies that show evidence of the positive effects of physical activity on the feeling of subjective well-being. Scientists suggest that life satisfaction is associated with physical activity through a sense of self-efficacy and physical self-confidence. Many authors believe that recreational activities have a positive effect on the level of self-confidence of the individual and that recreational activities have a positive effect on maintaining mental health in the elderly. Physical activity and ability prevent the onset of different types of dementia. It is considered that recreational activities have a positive effect on mastery of intrapersonal skills in children. In healthy individuals and people with disabilities, physical activity reduces the susceptibility for stress and depression. Exercise can be combined with cognitive and drug therapy in people who already suffer from depression. Regular exercise and sports are positively associated with self-esteem and self-perception but negatively associated with stress, anxiety and depression. Physical activity and exercise are useful in promoting positive physical self-perception regardless of gender and age. The objective of this study is to analyse the impact of recreational activities on mental health on the basis of the current scientific knowledge.