Six Reasons Why You Should Participate in a Recreational Program

Often times, our lives move so fast and we become so busy that we forget to pause and take care of ourselves. We forget to exercise, we allow our relationships to deteriorate, and we force ourselves to push our own well-being to the back of our minds. Luckily, there is an easy fix to these problems. Your local Recreation Department or activity center likely offers a wealth of beneficial and productive classes or activities that often hide in plain sight. There is so much value in engaging in these programs, and the following are Six Reasons Why You Should Participate in a Recreational Program. 

1.  It Improves Your Mental Health

This one is pretty obvious, right? The best part is that ALL recreational activities can improve your mental health, not just the ones that require physical activity. Programs such as educational seminars and cooking classes, for example, require you to stretch your mind and mentally engage yourself. Furthermore, studies have shown that recreational activities have the potential to lower your risk of various mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. They also have the potential to increase your energy levels, raise self-esteem, and lower stress. 

2. It Improves Your Physical Health

This one is also pretty obvious! Physical activity through recreational programs can reduce your risk of dangerous health concerns such as heart disease, heart attacks, high blood pressure, diabetes, certain types of cancer, and much more. Activity through recreational programs also has the potential to benefit your physical health in other ways such as boosting your immune system and increasing your life expectancy. Exercise classes are often times the most frequently offered recreational programs, so there is a good chance one will work with your schedule. 

3. You Will Become Part of the Community

By participating in a recreational program, you will meet and interact with people you wouldn't normally come across in your daily life. Recreational programs offer a time and space for people from the community to get together, learn, and have fun. Needless to say, you will likely be engaging with some sort of community entity such as a Recreation Department or wellness center while also be meeting those who live right down the road from you. Overall, you will be strengthening the community and you will make your community feel more desirable to yourself.

4. You Will Grow As A Person

In addition to things such as learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, or improving your physical and mental health, you also will have broadened your horizons and stepped out of your comfort zone. All of these things are great for development in both children and adults. It is so important to be engaged in various, diverse activities throughout our lives, and recreational programs are a perfect opportunity to do so. You may learn you have a secret talent for something, or that you suddenly love an activity that you never thought you would like.

5. You Will Strengthen Your Relationships

This is especially true if you participate with your family members or friends. Participating in organized recreational activities can promote healthy communication and lead to happier relationships. Take a parent-child swim class, or a partner ballroom dance class for example. You are offered a way to spend quality time with your loved one while you both learn something new. Additionally, when you participate in a recreational program, the focus tends to be placed on having fun rather than noticing individual personal differences, thus making it a great experience for all. 

6. You Will Be A Great Role Model

By participating in a recreational activity, you are showing your family, friends, and fellow community members that you value and understand the importance of maintaining an all-around healthy lifestyle. This is especially important for parents with children. Showing them the significance of learning a new skill and staying active within the community, all while having fun, promotes open-mindedness and curiosity. 


There is no doubt that recreational programs offer a wealth of various benefits to all aspects of your life, and I think most people who participate in recreational programs would say they don't get the credit they deserve. The tricky part is finding the time and space in your life to fit them in. Trust me, the first few weeks of class are difficult to get used to, but once you get into the swing of things, you won't want to stop. You would be surprised how many programs are out there for you to take. If you don't like the ones that your current community is offering, take a look at your neighboring communities as well. 

You can visit https://www.newberlin.org/162/recreation to view all of the amazing programs that the New Berlin Recreation Department has to offer. You can also check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/New-Berlin-Recreation-Department-240768409249/. You can follow the links below to see where I sourced this information and to learn more about the benefits of recreation.


The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation
Importance of Leisure & Recreation for Health
Importance of Leisure & Recreation for Health LIVESTRONG
BEA Outdoor Recreation
Exercise: How much do I need?
How Wisconsin recreation helps companies succeed
50 Benefits of Recreation
Why Parks and Recreation are Essential Public Services

Zach Kessler

Zach Kessler began working for the New Berlin Recreation Department in June of 2018. He is currently attending classes at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, working towards a Bachelor's Degree in History with a Minor in Political Science and a Certificate in Cultures & Communities. He also currently works for the Milwaukee Brewers as a Bat Boy. In his free time, he enjoys running, strength training, playing sports, traveling, and walking his dogs.