asks what we ’ ve been up to , that ’ s what we talk about . If we weren ’ t doing anything , we don ’ t like to admit it . The downside of this ‘ all work and no play attitude ,’ is that we miss out on the life-enhancing benefits of leisure .

Many of us have been so busy “ doing ,” that we ’ ve forgotten how to relax . Play is seen as childish and silly . Fun is an abstract concept . When we get some free time , we often don ’ t know what to do with it – it is uncomfortable not to be busy . So , we either spend our time in “ busy work ”, or , at the other extreme , we shut down , silencing the on-going mind chatter by zoning out with TV , Facebook , or computer games . It can be difficult to just “ be .”

More and more scientists and researchers are recognizing the benefits of leisure and fun . Many countries and corporations are beginning to offer a variety of programs for their employees ¬– everything from Tai Chi and meditation to required vacation time and mental health days . Yet , in the U . S ., production remains the ideal and less than half of the workforce takes their full vacation . On an individual basis , we are becoming much more conscious of our overall wellbeing . We are realizing the need to find balance – mentally , emotionally , physically , and spiritually . We are actively designing lives that reflect this through good nutrition , stress management , and planned leisure , exercise , and recreation . Rejuvenating and revitalizing play , rest , and laughter is essential to wellness .

Leisure and relaxation offers space to focus on our internal activity . When the external world gets quiet , we can more clearly hear our inner voice . This is the voice of our soul , our intuition , which , when we hear it , keeps our life on course .

Problem-solving abilities and memory are improved . Switching off and stepping away from the constant mind chatter helps us reboot . Our ability to learn is super-charged and our work is more productive . We return to our daily tasks with more clarity , focus , and enthusiasm .

Moving is important to overall physical health . We stay strong , flexible , graceful , and energized . Leisure activity lowers blood pressure , enhances sleep , helps to maintain healthier weight , and improves resistance to disease . Laughter increases the activity