Chapter 12 discussed both work and leisure. This is a good
topic for most of us, as we are all receiving our educations in hopes of going
into specific careers. In the two quarters that I have attended BTC I have took
note that many of my classmates have jobs and family life. Many of them also
have little down or “leisure” time. The discussion of both topics I think is
crucial because I think many people spend plenty of time working at little time
leisurely; not knowing or acknowledging the importance of it.
Work and family can involve one individual juggling many roles and tasks. Take a new mother for instance, since half of all mothers return to work before their child reaches their first birthday. She may have previously juggled the act of being an employee and a wife, after having giving birth she now has many more acts added to her routine. She now has to make a decision on whether she is finally equipped to be a stay at home mother, or if she must return to work. After that decision is made then comes the choice of alternate childcare, who will care for her child, can she afforded alternate care , if not does she qualify for government assistance? Balancing a household, a relationship, work and motherhood can be a rewarding yet tiring and emotionally draining task.
For a situation like the one above, where does that leisure time we were speaking of come into play? It may seem for someone who is busy with that many responsibilities it would be impossible to add something else to their plate, even if it is time for enjoyment. But that must change, due to the fact that this time doing an activity, “veritably any activity”, contributes greatly to the overall well-being of a person’s life. Time management is essential in balancing family work and time for oneself.
Work and family can involve one individual juggling many roles and tasks. Take a new mother for instance, since half of all mothers return to work before their child reaches their first birthday. She may have previously juggled the act of being an employee and a wife, after having giving birth she now has many more acts added to her routine. She now has to make a decision on whether she is finally equipped to be a stay at home mother, or if she must return to work. After that decision is made then comes the choice of alternate childcare, who will care for her child, can she afforded alternate care , if not does she qualify for government assistance? Balancing a household, a relationship, work and motherhood can be a rewarding yet tiring and emotionally draining task.
For a situation like the one above, where does that leisure time we were speaking of come into play? It may seem for someone who is busy with that many responsibilities it would be impossible to add something else to their plate, even if it is time for enjoyment. But that must change, due to the fact that this time doing an activity, “veritably any activity”, contributes greatly to the overall well-being of a person’s life. Time management is essential in balancing family work and time for oneself.
I love what you mention about people not understanding the importance of leisure time. I feel like people take the word leisure to mean lazy sometimes and they forget how useful that time can be, no matter how it's spent, especially for something like stress management. You are right that it can be so difficult to include it in your life when you already have so many things to do. I love to run and am usually training for something to make sure I actually keep up on it! Having a future goal is sadly the only way to ensure i squeeze it in, but whatever it takes, right? I often feel guilty if I am leaving my kids and husband for some me time but in the end it is a huge stress relief and I know I am a better mom and wife for it.
ReplyDeleteI think that leisure time is just something that is so widely forgotten even when you aren't a parent yet. I know that's biggest thing I struggle with right now.
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