Page 76 - Illinois Association of Park Districts Benefits of Membership 2017 - 2018

Physical activity has been shown to help people become more emotionally and mentally fit. Researchers at Duke University studied people suffering from depression for four months and found that 60 percent of the participants who exercised for 30 minutes three times a week overcame their depression without using antidepressant medication.5
In a study that explored the leisure behavior of 695 adults, half reported that they were in a better mood after visiting a park. Participants’ negative moods decreased after leaving a park, and the park users reported lower levels of anxiety and sadness. The longer the participants stayed, the less stressed they became. Overall, results indicated that, in parks, people begin their recreation experiences in better moods and remain in better moods.6
Social benefits
According to the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, people who are physically active are viewed as harder workers, as more confident and more self-controlled.7
Participating in sports and exercise programs at parks and recreation agencies can increase social opportunities. Friendship and companionship generated through participating in shared activities is an important need that motivates people to participate in opportunities offered at park districts, forest preserves, conservation and recreation agencies.8 Community based physical activity programs offered at these agencies provide social interaction with peers and peer-led activities that are especially good for the elderly and children.
Illinois Association of Park Districts’ member agencies provide programs that families can enjoy together. These shared activities reduce family stress and allow families to share time together in constructive and healthy ways that are conducive to strengthening family bonds. In this way, agencies foster the positive emotional and social impacts that strong families engender.
Conclusion
5 Mental Health Journal, Mental Health Benefits of Exercise, 2000
6 Parks, recreation and public health: parks and recreation improve the physical and mental health of our nation-research update. http//www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1145/is_38/ai_ 100960607, Copyright 2003 NRPA
7 American Council of Exercise, Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 2000
8 Ho, ChingHua, Laura Payne, Elizabeth Orsega-Smith and Geoffrey Godbey, “Parks, recreation and public health: parks and recreation improve the physical and mental health of our nation-research update.” Parks & Recreation, April 2003.
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