Everybody needs a diversion, something to fill the time.
Many facilities such as nursing homes, hospitals and schools promote leisurely activities as a form of relaxation and a chance to explore and also to express oneself.
In many nursing homes, several activities are arranged to encourage the residents to participate in a social setting.
Baking may be a lovely and rewarding pastime, usually having delicious results.
It has been noted that some nursing homes arrange baking as a group activity with their senior citizens.
Many other people enjoy baking for their friends and families, especially during the Christmas season.
Sketching or painting is a wonderful way for a person to express him or herself.
Even the choice of paint colours can personify how a person is feeling, be it happy or sad.
Small children like to colour with crayons or markers.
These creative activities are another wonderfully soothing way to release ones stress in a positive way.
It's also a great way to express oneself and perhaps make a masterpiece at the same time! Board Games, perhaps Bingo or even trivia games, are played in a group setting and are a great way to get people talking.
Playing games give individuals and groups the chance for problem solving and a chance to mingle with others.
Music is also a great way for people to feel relaxed and happy.
At schools and nursing homes, singing songs often serves as a source of enjoyment and it's also good social time.
Some people love to dance, which not only serves as a way for someone to express himself, but a great way to get exercise and become more graceful and confident in a social environment.
Sporting events are greatly promoted in schools, allowing students a chance to release energy and stress.
These activities also promote good teamwork, sportsmanship, social skills and the required amount of exercise each individual should maintain on a daily basis.
Exercise is also encouraged with residents living in nursing homes to stimulate a person in a less vigorous pace.
In some schools and long term care facilities, group outings are also arranged periodically.
Short trips enable the students or residents to have a change of scenery and time to explore and learn.
It also encourages more social time and a chance to feel more independent.
Some school day trips may include going to a movie or watching a play at a theatre.
Some plays may have been studied by students in their schools' English or Theatre Arts class.
Watching a live performance could be a great learning experience as well as an inspiration for future actors, directors, writers, and sound or lighting technicians.
In many nursing homes movies are also played as a source of entertainment.
Family comedies or musicals could be a great way to make a senior citizen feel cheerful and reminiscent of days gone by.
Some people like to write articles or poetry which is another great way to self- express.
A person can greatly improve and gain more confidence in their craft with a little practice.
People sometimes bring their pets to nursing homes to meet the residents.
This is referred to as pet therapy and is a lovely way to allow seniors the chance to express themselves.
Patting an animal may bring back fond memories of previous pets for some.
Other activities such as introducing educational toys and puzzles to children are not only good learning tools but are usually fun as well.
These toys also give a child a sense of accomplishment when the game or puzzle is completed.
Collecting things such as stamps, coins or dolls are hobbies for many people.
I, personally, like to collect small porcelain bells and dolls from various places that we have travelled to.
In many facilities such as kindergarten classes, hospitals and nursing homes, stuffed animals and reborn babies are often cuddled by the young and the elderly.
I believe these toys make people feel extremely happy.
This year I learned how to create reborn baby dolls from kits.
Every time I paint a limb or a face, I feel a sense of pride.
Each stroke of the paint brush or sponge is made carefully and precisely.
Rooting the hair in the head of the doll is a timely process, but is well worth it.
That very procedure is what gives it a natural baby look.
The final step is to assemble the creation I have worked on.
Every step of the reborning process is done with love and care.
I feel so proud when I have reborned yet another baby.
I think that everyone should have an activity or outlet as I do as a form of self expression and relaxation.