Professor Andrew Bailey emphasises that leisure is not simply time off or entertainment, it is an important contributor to mental, emotional and social health.

In this edition we'll hear that:

• Meaningful leisure activities help people recover from stress and improve overall wellbeing
• Leisure is most beneficial when it involves connection, purpose, creativity, physical activity, or time in nature
• Modern life often treats leisure as unproductive, but healthy recreation is essential for resilience and quality of life
• Outdoor experiences and shared activities can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and strengthen community connection

Professor Bailey is from the Department of Health and Human Performance, College of Health, Education and Professional Studies, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.