Activity Therapy

What is Activity Therapy?

Life can feel overwhelming – deadlines at work, social pressures, and the general hustle and bustle of daily routine. Many can relate to this as they try to manage their mental health. If you're dealing with mental health issues or supporting someone who is, the concept of Activity Therapy might be a game-changer.

Activity Therapy can be any type based on one or more activities, such as arts and crafts, exercise, music, and drama (APA Dictionary of Psychology, 2018). It is also known as recreational therapy or therapeutic recreation, which is a systematic process that utilizes recreation and recreational activities as interventions to improve mental health and well-being. You might be wondering how engaging in activities can impact mental health. 

In mental health facilities, recreational therapists typically lead therapeutic activities, which can be part of a recreational therapy program tailored to address assessed needs. This could involve anything from sports programs and physical activities to creative pursuits like art. The goal is not just to pass the time but to specifically target areas contributing to emotional well-being.

For individuals dealing with mental illness, developmental disabilities, or physical disabilities, recreational therapy includes a wide array of interventions. These activities are carefully chosen to build confidence, reduce stress, and enhance social skills. Whether it's a group session to foster social interactions or an individualized program to develop specific mental abilities, recreational therapy extends beyond traditional treatment services.

This therapeutic process is not just limited to mental health facilities; it can be adapted for home and community environments. From older adults aiming to maintain their cognitive abilities to those seeking to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, engaging in purposeful activities is vital. Recreational therapists work to create an environment where individuals can socialize effectively, improve self-esteem, and gain self-awareness.

The origins of Activity Therapy

"Activity Therapy" and "Recreational Therapy" are often used interchangeably, with their origins traced back to Occupational Therapy, as indicated by Bauerschmidt and Nelson (2011) cited in Cornerstone of Recovery (2019).

Asclepiades, a Roman figure, supported using massage, therapeutic baths, and exercise to enhance health in individuals with illnesses. Additionally, he endorsed activity-based treatments for mental health patients, encompassing diversions and entertainment such as music and arts (Santacroce et al., 2017). 

As Activity Therapy continues to evolve, its foundations remain rooted in the belief that purposeful engagement in recreation activities has the potential to transform lives. It's a practical approach, acknowledging that the therapeutic benefits of activities extend far beyond the confines of a session, permeating the essence of everyday life for a holistic improvement in quality of life.

After World War II, people started seeing recreational activities as a way to help people who were sick or needed extra support. The Red Cross began offering programs for soldiers during the war, and after it ended, similar services expanded to Veterans' Administration Hospitals. This idea kept growing, and soon, programs for recreational therapy were set up in state psychiatric hospitals and schools for people with mental challenges (Austin, 2002).

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification (NCTRC) states that recreational therapy includes various activities, ranging from sports programs to creative endeavors such as arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings. 

One key aspect that sets Activity Therapy apart is its focus on integrating therapeutic recreation into everyday life. The evolution of Activity Therapy reflects a deep understanding of the impact of activity-based interventions. Whether it's to combat negative feelings or alleviate the weight of depression, stress, and anxiety, each activity serves a purpose beyond mere recreation.

What does Activity Therapy involve?

Engaging in purposeful activities can make a big difference in how we feel, and that's where Activity Therapy comes in. Guided by certified specialists, recreational therapists work to make people's lives better through different approaches.

Creative arts

In Activity Therapy, creative arts involve enjoyable activities like painting or making music led by certified specialists. These activities contribute to physical and mental well-being, fostering a positive sense of accomplishment and self-confidence in individuals.

Physical activity

The therapy incorporates specific exercises, from simple stretches to more involved workouts, designed to enhance physical and mental well-being. These activities, guided by certified specialists, promote a healthy lifestyle and help individuals build self-confidence through targeted movements.

Outdoor activities

Taking therapy outdoors, this aspect of Activity Therapy includes nature walks, gardening, or community sports. Beyond the physical benefits, these activities encourage social interaction, allowing individuals to develop and practice social skills while enjoying the therapeutic aspects of being in an outdoor environment.

Therapeutic aims of Activity Therapy

Activity Therapy, a vital part of helping people feel better, has specific goals that make a difference in how individuals experience life. From building confidence to recovering after an injury, Activity Therapy aims to improve overall well-being.

Increase self-esteem

Certified therapeutic recreation specialists organize fun and purposeful activities to boost individuals' confidence and self-worth. By giving opportunities for success, these activities help improve how people feel about themselves, making them emotionally stronger and more accomplished. 

A study by Liu et al. (2015) examined how doing supervised physical activities, especially in schools and gyms, affects how kids and teens feel about themselves. They found that just doing physical activities helped improve how they see themselves and feel about their worth. However, when combined with other strategies, physical activity didn't show the same positive effects.

Improve functional independence after an injury

Activity Therapy benefits those recovering from a physical injury, often in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities. Through activities aimed at specific goals, individuals work on regaining their ability to do things independently, enhancing their independence after an injury.

Doing simple exercises twice a week for eight weeks could help the aging population in nursing homes feel better physically, mentally, and functionally. Exercise positively changed how they moved, felt, and thought, suggesting that regular simple exercises prevent or reduce health problems and keep them more independent (Piedras-Jorge et al., 2010).

Increase strength and physical fitness

Activity Therapy plays a significant role in promoting physical health by making people stronger and fitter. Whether for kids or those in healthcare settings, taking part in purposeful physical activities guided by a specialist improves physical health and helps develop social skills and overall well-being.

Benefits for psychological and physical health

Engaging in Activity Therapy offers multifaceted benefits for both psychological and physical health.

1. Enhances emotional well-being: Activity Therapy, through purposeful activities, positively impacts emotions, reducing stress and fostering a sense of joy and contentment.
2. Improves physical fitness: Structured recreational activities contribute to mental well-being and promote physical fitness, supporting overall health and vitality.
3. Builds social skills: Individuals develop and strengthen their social skills by participating in group activities, promoting effective communication and relationship-building.
4. Boosts self-esteem: Activity Therapy cultivates a sense of achievement through accomplishment in purposeful tasks, boosting individuals' confidence and self-worth.
5. Reduces negative feelings: Engaging in specific, targeted activities helps alleviate negative feelings, providing a constructive outlet for stress, anxiety, and depression.

How we can help: using Carepatron as your mental health software

Carepatron is your go-to hub for making a real impact on mental health with specifically targeted interventions!

At Carepatron, we understand the power of community resources in uplifting mental health. By joining us, you become part of a community that values inclusivity and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned professional or someone passionate about mental health, Carepatron offers a space where your expertise and empathy can shine.

Carepatron is dedicated to making recreation activities integral to mental health support. We believe that well-being is a holistic concept, so we encourage our community to explore diverse ways of healing. Together, we're breaking barriers and creating a space where everyone feels heard, valued, and supported.

Join us at Carepatron. Let's shape the future of mental health together – one appointment, one documentation, one therapeutic session, and one supportive community at a time. 

References

APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Activity therapy. https://dictionary.apa.org/activity-therapy

Austin, D. R. (2004). Therapeutic recreation: a long past, but a brief history. Palaestra, 20(1), 37+. https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/A114366605/AONE?u=googlescholar&sid=bookmark-AONE&xid=1b78e64f

Cornerstone of Recovery. (2019, November 18). Activity therapy a beneficial recovery tool in both physical and mental health. https://cornerstoneofrecovery.com/activity-therapy-a-beneficial-recovery-tool-in-both-physical-and-mental-health/

Liu, M., Wu, L., & Ming, Q. (2015). How does physical activity intervention improve self-esteem and self-concept in children and adolescents? Evidence from a meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 10(8), e0134804. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0134804

Piedras-Jorge, C., Meléndez-Moral, J. C., & Tomás-Miguel, J. M. (2010). Beneficios del ejercicio físico en población mayor institucionalizada [Benefits of physical activity in nursing home residents]. Revista espanola de geriatria y gerontologia, 45(3), 131–135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.regg.2009.10.012

Santacroce, L., Bottalico, L., & Charitos, I. (2017). Greek medicine practice at Ancient Rome: The physician Molecularist Asclepiades. Medicines, 4(4), 92.

The National Council for Therapeutic Recreation Certification. (n.d.). About recreational therapy. https://www.nctrc.org/about-ncrtc/about-recreational-therapy/