Creative leisure opportunities

Abstract

Creativity is a human characteristic that enables people and communities to adapt and thrive in changing circumstances. People spend the greater part of their lives engaging in a variety of activities that support health and well-being. Creativity can be expressed through many of the activities of everyday life, including work, family life, social interaction and leisure. When someone is unable to access a healthy range of activities, due to illness, disability or other circumstances, he will seek alternative ways of meeting his needs. For example, if a man is unable to work because of illness, he may choose to use his leisure time to express his creativity. Creative leisure activities can become an important part of an individual's strategies for coping with illness or disability; through promoting adaptation, creating meaningful goals and providing distraction from pain and anxiety. If a person finds it difficult to engage in creative leisure activities, due to illness or disability, it may be necessary to provide practical support or to stimulate the individual's own creative development.