Life is best enjoyed when time periods are evenly divided between labor, sleep, and recreation...all people should spend one-third of their time in recreation which is rebuilding, voluntary activity, never idleness
The word recreation, combines the Latin re, again and creare, o create. It was originally used for curing the sick.But today we think of recreational activities as curing our boredom.Or we can say to create new things,we need recreational activities.
Recreational activities can be divided intoindoor and outdoor activities. Outdoor activities in the lap of nature helpus relax. It stimulates our cognitive abilities resulting in greater productivity.
There are many outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, cycling, canoeing, sailing, skiing, sky diving, surfing and picnicking. Winter is the season for picnics. Most of us love picnics.
I remember going to picnics during my childhood on Sundays with my family. We used to play cricket,badminton orludo. Sitting on a blanket in nature, we would munch on delicious food.I cherish the memories of those childhood days spent outdoors. You will find Jane Austens novels and many movies portrayingjoyful picnics with elaborate settings in nature,warming your hearts.
When did you last go for a picnic? Nowadays, picnics have become a rarity: something with a whole group of people with extensive planning. The trend of just having a whole day out with the family has become almost a thing of the past.
Dinner and a movie, forget that, Id rather have a picnic and a waterfall - Amanda Grace Picnics arevery popular in many countries. The word picnic comes from the French word pique-nique which means a social event where guests contribute a share of the food.Its believed that picnics originated as a type of informal outdoor meal during French Revolution and became a popular pastime in France after the French Revolutionin the mid-1800s.Later, it spread all over the world.
These allow us to connect with nature and offer a wonderful chance to have a relaxing day with family. It also helps reconnect with our social circles.
In Bangladesh, normally, we go for picnics during winter as its too hot in summer. But you can also take your time off during other seasons,when its not too hot, and go to a beautiful spot surrounded by nature. If you can make it during day time you can use the rooftop at night. Spread a blanket and relax, lie down and look at the stars. Have some cookies, shingaras, piyajus and homemade tea. Think of gazing at the stars with the breeze around you -such a beautiful feeling!
Eating outdoors has been a wonderful pastime for centuries, and for good reason. Apart from providing a refreshing change of scenery, picnics are extremely important for families and for the development of a child.
In fact, picnics have numerous benefits for our health and wellbeing.
Here are just a few of the many reasons why we should consider having a picnic: Spending time with family is always a great bonding experience. In this fast-paced age picnics offer a relaxing atmosphere to connect and enjoy with our beloved ones. It promotes stronger ties of love and belonging.
Picnics help to break away from the monotonous daily routine andbreathe in fresh air that rejuvenates us. For those with respiratory disorders, breathing clean air naturally cleanses the lungs, strengthens the immune systemand helps relieve asthma. Plus the fresh oxygen cleanses the blood, making the skin glow and the face acne free.
Sunlight is one of the best sources for vitamin D, a strong nutrient for everyone to build strong bones, teeth and overall health.Regular sun exposure helps increase the process of growth and height of children and decreases the risk of rickets. Remember to protect your skin from the suns harmful UV rays.Use sunscreen cream!
Studies have shown that spending time in nature can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, leading to a greater sense of calm and relaxation.The excessive stress levels that many people face in their daily lives often lead to serious mental issues in the long run. A study issued by the National Academy of Sciences found people who spent 90 minutes in a natural environment had minimum levels of anxiety and decreased neural activity in the submental prefrontal cortex, a region of the brain associated with mental sickness.Picnics help us to spendmore time in nature which greatly helps our psychological and physical well-being.
Another benefit of having a picnic is that children can be educated about the importance of protecting the natural environment.If we do so, children will be more willing to protect the environment.
Picnics spots are relatively peaceful environments that encourage us to meditate and have a few minutes of Me time. You can spend some time meditating about your lives: the decisions you have made and the decisions you will make. Children can also benefit from meditation and self-reflection, which can easily be done during a picnic.
Taking up a physical activity during a picnic can burn off those extra calories. Activities like Frisbee throw, cricket, football; racquet game can burn loads of calories. It also motivates us to get away from electronic devices and instead be active in the lap of nature.
Eating in a relaxed and pleasant environment and the fun-filledphysical activity promotes healthy digestion. Take some delicious and nutritious food by having sandwiches, fruits and some side dishes like salads, potato chips or grilled veggies and enjoy. Don forget to hydrate! Take water, some fresh juice and iced tea.
Picnicsare always fun. Try to choose new locations and new foods. This planet is our home. Use reusable cutlery and cups in order to avoid littering and help in the Green campaign. Phones, computers, tablets and other electronic gadgets need their systems to reboot, after heavy load of work.
The same applies for humans. We need picnics to
e create. A period recourse into the wilds is not a retreat to secret silent sanctumsto escape a wicked world,it is to take breath amid effort toforge a better world - Benton Mackaye
Its time to go into nature and relax. Winter is almost over what are you waiting for? Lets get that picnic basket ready and head towards the picnic destination.
The writer is a multilingual poet, columnist, op-ed and fiction writer, translator, educator andtraining consultant. She is the Director of Continuing Education Centre, Bangladesh
