Taken from the Middle English word 'recreacion', and from the Latin word 'recreatio' meaning restoration to health, recreation is the refreshment of one's mind or body after work through activity that amuses or stimulates.

The need for recreation has grown thanks to the world's wealthier people leading increasingly less hectic lifestyles, highlighted by the rise in so-called active vacations.

People define recreation in different ways, but the general purpose if it is to relax and unwind. Whether this is via something more physical such as travel or boating, or something more mental such as reading, humour, audio or games, they are all largely undertaken in the pursuit of leisure. However, excessive recreation is not deemed to be healthy and in some circumstances it may be viewed as being escapism. However research has shown that recreation contributes to life satisfaction, quality of life, health and wellbeing. It is essential to the longevity of human beings, particularly as it helps counteract stress, a major factor in many of the leading causes of death in the developed modern world.

Recreation can also become an organised activity of local governments and enterprises. Private organised recreation is usually focused on a specific type of sport such as paint balling, clay pigeon shooting and orienteering.

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