Hi! Welcome back to The Zen Life.
In this issue we’ll discuss the second domain of wellness called the coping domain. This domain has four parts; leisure, stress-management, self-worth, and realistic beliefs. We’ll start with leisure which is all about the pursuit of pleasure.
Leisure is defined as the purposeful engagement in any activity that will enhance satisfaction in life, provide rest, reinvigorate the individual, offer the pursuit of pleasure, and/or relieve stress that can accumulate from work. What leisure does is offer the opportunity to help you find balance between all the stressors you encounter in life and your work and improve your mental and physical health and overall well-being (Cha, 2024).
When we think of leisure it brings up thoughts of doing anything from watching TV, to exercising, to being in nature, and beyond. The dictionary defines leisure as “freedom provided by the cessation of activities; especially: time free from work or duties” (Merriam-Webster.com, 2024).
Leisure definitely reduces stress and anxiety by allowing your mind and body to relax when you step away from work and responsibilities. This lowers cortisol levels and promotes feelings of being calm. It also promotes mindfulness and presence through focus on the present moment and helps you appreciate being in the here and now.
If you choose to do an activity you enjoy such as a hobby it can boost your mood and happiness level by releasing endorphins which are natural mood elevators. If you try doing something new or learning a new skill, it can enhance self-esteem and confidence which can bring a sense of accomplishment and boost confidence levels. Both of these contribute to overall well-being.
If you do any leisure activities with others like going to a concert or bowling or any other activity, it builds and strengthens your social connections. This can deepen friendships, build new relationships, and provide a sense of belonging.
The concept of environmental wellness also falls under this domain. Environmental wellness encompasses two areas. The first is the relationship you have with the natural world which includes how comfortable and safe you feel in nature. This also includes the level of stewardship and respect you feel for the resources and species we share the earth with. Being in nature has been linked to reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress. It also fosters a sense of belonging and connection to the planet and leads to greater appreciation for the environment.
Gardening, hiking, biking, taking a walk, volunteering for environmental causes, and practicing sustainable living are all ways to practice environmental wellness.
The second area involves enhancing wellness through occupying pleasant and stimulating personal environments at home and work. This is usually composed of cleanliness, organization, and practicality. Having your things where you want them to be, in a way that works well for you, and that makes you comfortable is what really matters. Ask yourself: How do you feel when you walk in the door? Is it pleasant? Cozy? Is the lighting good? Are things convenient? Is the seating comfortable? If you want to change anything, go for it!
Leisure is such an important part of coping and self-care. It is very easy to get so wrapped up in responsibilities that we put our need to relax on the back burner. The challenge here is to practice a leisure activity and gauge how you feel afterwards. I have a feeling you will be surprised at how good it feels to give yourself the gift of a little leisure.
Until next month when we dive into the second element of the Coping Domain of Wellness which is stress-management. See you then. : )
