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Test Your Knowledge on Recreation

Recreational activities—also known as things we do for fun—carry a host of physical and mental rewards.

But do you know just how beneficial recreation can be?

Take our quiz and find out!

1. The first documented use of the word "recreation" to mean "refresh oneself by some amusement" occurred in approximately:


Correct. This definition of "recreation" was based on the Latin root "recreare," which means "to refresh or restore."1

1"recreation (n.)" Online Etymology Dictionary, 2021.

Incorrect


2. Doing recreational activities with others can be good for your mental health, as having a larger social network decreases the likelihood of depression.

Correct. Participating in recreational activities is a great way to make new friends and acquaintances, thereby expanding your social network.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect


3. Physical recreation (sports, outdoor activities, etc.) provides which of the following health benefits?

Correct. Tying physical activity with enjoyable recreation makes it easier to reap the rewards of exercise.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect


4. Which activity listed below does not qualify as recreational?

Correct. Recreational activities are things done for pleasure during free time.

Incorrect


5. Which American author wrote "If bread is the first necessity of life, recreation is a close second"?

Correct. Bellamy penned this quote in his novel Looking Backward, where he imagined what a utopian society would look like.

Incorrect


6. Merely recalling an outdoor recreational activity is enough to boost mood.

Correct. If you can't get out for recreation on a given day, just thinking about past experiences you've had is enough to get some of the emotional benefits.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect


7. Teenagers who participate in extracurricular activities are significantly more likely to get better grades.

- Correct. Though we're all well past our high school days, this is one more important link between recreation and improved quality of life.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect


8. Which of the following life-enhancing benefits can result from recreational activities?

Correct. Whether you experience all, some, or even just one of recreation's benefits, you'll likely be better off than if you hadn't participated in a recreational activity at all.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect


9. Close to ___ of those who participate in recreational activities multiple times a week report higher levels of life satisfaction.

Correct. Just 25% of those who don't participate in recreational activities reported a similar level of life satisfaction.2

2California State Parks, "The Health and Social Benefits of Recreation." State of California Resources Agency, 2005

Incorrect