Talk:Preparing to Win in Sports: Healthy Mind and Body:Balanced Recreation Habits
By Vishal Agarwal and The Hindu Society of Minnesota
The purpose of recreation is to recharge our minds and bodies so that we can perform our duties well. No recreation should make us sick mentally and physically. When we participate in a recreational activity or exercise, our body releases endorphins that make our brain feel ‘happy’ and promote positive moods, in addition to strengthening our heart and other organs.
But even recreation should be measured. It is a means to an end, not the end in itself. When a recreational habit (e.g., watching a movie or playing tennis) is indulged in excessively to the detriment of one’s main tasks, it becomes an addiction. It becomes harmful rather than being a means for achieving our well-being.
For example, reading books can give great pleasure, and we can learn many new things through this habit. But excessive reading of books while forgetting one’s goals and true objectives can lead to more harm than benefit:
For the scholars, this entire world is nothing but books to be read. This attitude hinders the practice of yog, because the scholars are always bewildered about whether, ‘Should I learn this, or should I learn that,’ and wish to learn all knowledge that exists. —Śivadharmottara Upapurāṇa 1.68
But even if their life were a thousand years in extent, these scholars would still not be able to master all the kinds of knowledge. They would merely spend their entire life engaged in a fickle chase of mere words. —Śivadharmottara Upapurāṇa 1.69
“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” according to a proverb. We all need rest and diversion from our daily activities. We can get recreation through exercise, sports, reading books, watching television, talking to friends, etc. But in all these cases, once again,śāstras advise us to be balanced. The purpose of recreation is to recharge our minds and bodies so that we can practice dhyāna-yog (meditation) again.
Even exercise should be done in moderation, depending on the needs and the capacity of our bodies. Scriptures of Hindu medicine (Āyurveda) even specify how many push-ups, etc., we should do to derive the optimum benefit. Too much exercise can even have a detrimental effect not only on physical but also on mental health.
A wise person should take up tasks that are consistent with their capacity and strength. This body is the very basis of well-being of a person, and the body needs to be strong and healthy. Therefore, one must not, in a fit of excitement, take up an activity that exceeds his physical capacity and harms his body irreparably. Only when a person is alive and healthy in body can he enjoy the fruit of his good deeds. —Caraka Saṃhitā, Nidānasthāna 6.5
On the other hand, no recreation should make us sick mentally and physically. When we participate in recreation or exercise, our body releases endorphins that promote positive moods and support overall well-being.