Essays

Science has freed man from much drudgery. Machines have replaced him at home and at the workplace. Hence one finds much more spare time now. Holidays also provide us with time for leisure and there are very few people who would not welcome leisure time. It is wise to use this time fruitfully.

It is often seen that people pursue hobbies during their spare time. They denote their time to gardening, reading, listening to music, photography, coin collection etc. Each person has his own. Choice in this matter and decides to spend his leisure time in the way that he enjoys the most.

These activities provide a diversion from the routine as well as educate us. Playing a game, for example, helps a man to cultivate qualities of true sportsman besides physical exercise. Again reading as a hobby adds to our knowledge. Stamp collection helps us to study about the history, culture and tradition of various countries.

People often visit their friends and relatives during their spare time. This keeps relationships strong and the feel of sharing some good times together remains with them.

Leisure time can become quite dangerous and harmful if it is not utilized properly. If a man remains unoccupied then he begins to indulge in undesirable activities. He may keep daydreaming and that often leads to dullness and a lack of alertness in a person. "An idle mind is a devils, workshop." This is often said about those who have too much leisure time on hand.

Gossip is one of the most harmful effects of the mal utilization of leisure time. Rumormongers use this time to cook up new stories about people they are jealous of or those they dislike. Some indulge in gambling and others in evil designs.

Some people take to drugs and get addicted to alcohol or smoking. Such things have to be avoided and one must always be careful about getting roped into such activities when one has time to spare.