List of leisure

Conversing about the concept of leisure can be enjoyable. But, how does one leisure practically? It appears so abstract, so distant from your current reality that you can’t even fathom where to begin.

Never fret. Here is a brief compilation of 7 leisurely activities that you have access to now.

1) Amble about a local park

The key word here is amble. Approach going to a park with a new mindset. Disconnect from distractions and open your eyes to your current surroundings. The ripples through the glassy water. The elderly man on the bench. The shrieking children. Just take it in. That's all.

2) Learn how to craft a cocktail

Something about creating with your hands cures all. Seeing the tangible fruits of your labor relieves the burnout you feel when you constantly work with no clear reward. It helps when the end result is delicious too! Learn more about the art of crafting cocktails to start your artisan journey.

3) Read a children’s book

It seems silly, but sitting down with a well-written children's story with stunning illustrations is the solution to two tendencies you might have. Either, you too often over-intellectualize what you consume or you completely numb your brain to the constant influx of content. Some children's picture books I recommend are The Velveteen Rabbit, The Weight of the Mass, and Thank You Mr. Falker.

photo by alexander carpenter

4) Kayak on a lake

Physical exertion makes you feel alive. Using your body in a new way pushes your limits and helps you become more in tune with yourself. Kayaking is a perfect activity for adventurers and home bodies alike. You can observe the abundant wildlife surrounding you, get out of the kayak to glide through the water, or exert yourself to your limits as you skim across the lake's surface.

5) Peruse your local antique store

Visiting an antique store is an impactful way to understand the fabric of the local society in which you live. Not only that, but the items littering the likely overflowing storefront will harken to a time long ago. When simpler things in life were valued. Keep an eye out for records to listen to, dishes to serve your favorite meal in, and handcrafted furniture pieces. They'll help you slow down in the future.

6) Sit, just sit, in a nearby café

The art of drinking beverages has been compromised. In the early modern period, the Viennese coffeehouse was born. This was a place of discussion about art, literature, and political matters. There was an art of associating together, in participating in the local culture, and it has been lost. When you visit a coffeeshop, don't just get your caffeine and run. Don't sit down and get to work on your laptop. Just sit. I guarantee that you will notice something you hadn't before.

7) Pick local fruits

Adventure out into the countryside for a few hours. The drive itself will be enjoyable. In a technopolized world, the process of picking your own fruit will unlock a new part of your brain. Many fruit farms have jam, salsa, granola, and a plethora of other goods to enjoy as well. You could even use some of your gatherings for your next handmade cocktail or dessert. Learn more about where to pick fruits in your state.

You may have noticed a theme. A key factor to leisure is that it is good in itself. Going to a park doesn't need to have any other purpose than enjoying your surroundings.

In the absence of a productivity mindset, hopefully you will come to thoughtful discoveries about yourself, have musings of your own, and realize that life is worth more than just how much you can get done.