COVID-19 and Leisure: Directions for Policy Makers

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Published: Jun 30, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/hapscpbs.24956
Ioanna Maria Kantartzi
University of Ottawa
George Karlis
University of Ottawa
Abstract
Epictetus, the Greek Stoic Philosopher, once said “Happiness and freedom begin with a clear understanding of one’s principle. Some things are within your control; and some things are not”. In adopting Epictetus quote for the current COVID-19 world, it has become more important than ever to realize that freedom and happiness can be intrinsic states that come from within the individual. Leisure, also an intrinsic state, is linked with freedom and happiness, and when leisure, freedom and happiness are experienced, a healthy lifestyle can be under your control and achieved.  The current paper presents the importance of experiencing leisure, freedom and happiness for physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic era.   COVID-19 is not only political, social and economic challenge, but also a citizen’s well-being challenge. For this reason, three directions for policy making from the current and post COVID-19 era are presented: 1) the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, 2) individual and community activation and 3) empowering people.
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Author Biographies
Ioanna Maria Kantartzi, University of Ottawa
Ioanna Maria Kantartzi is a Ph.D. student in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Her area of research focuses on leadership in recreation and sport settings. She is a recipient of the University of Ottawa Stavros Niarchos Scholarship and a recipient of the University of Ottawa International Doctor Scholarship.
George Karlis, University of Ottawa

George Karlis is a Full Professor in the School of Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, Canada. His primary areas of research focus on leisure and society, recreation and sport management, and community development.

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