For many people in Switzerland, Carnival (Fasnacht) is the highlight of the year, starting on Dirty Thursday and ending on Ash Wednesday. During this time, the major cities become noisy, colourful and wild for a few days. “Fasnacht” reminds us how important it is to allow ourselves to have leisure time and creativity in our lives.
Leisure moments are crucial for overall wellbeing for several reasons:
- Stress Reduction: Engaging in leisure activities, like the carnivals, provides an opportunity to unwind and relax, reducing stress levels.
- Mental Health: Leisure activities contribute to mental health by providing a break from routine responsibilities and allowing individuals to focus on activities they enjoy. This can boost mood, alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promote a sense of fulfilment and happiness.
- Physical Health: Many leisure activities involve physical movement or exercise, which is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.
- Creativity and Learning: Leisure moments often involve activities that stimulate creativity and promote learning.
- Social Connection: Leisure activities provide opportunities for social interaction and bonding with others. Whether it’s spending time with friends and family, joining a club or group, or participating in community events, socialising during leisure time fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens relationships, which are essential for overall wellbeing.
Overall, incorporating leisure moments into daily life is essential for maintaining balance, reducing stress, fostering creativity and learning, promoting physical and mental health, and nurturing social connections, all of which contribute to overall wellbeing and quality of life.