When was the last time you felt truly alive doing something you loved? Was it playing a sport, hiking a trail, or simply laughing with friends? For many, those moments aren’t just a break from daily stress. They’re essential to health, healing, and resilience.
That’s the heart of therapeutic recreation, a field dedicated to helping people use leisure experiences to improve their mental, emotional, physical, and social well-being.
The SpeakReal Podcast’s latest guest, Dr. Tim O’Connell, professor and chair of Recreation and Leisure Studies at Brock University, has spent decades researching how recreation connects to mental health. His insights reveal why something as simple as time outdoors or a group activity can make such a profound difference to one’s well-being.
“Recreation is a human need.”
From the start, Dr. O’Connell makes it clear that recreation isn’t an extra activity, it’s necessary.
“Recreation is a human need. It’s not optional. It’s fundamental to our well-being.”
Dr. Tim O’Connell
He explains that therapeutic recreation takes this need seriously by designing purposeful activities for people living with illness, disability, or other challenges. Whether in hospitals, long-term care, or community programs, recreation specialists focus on what people can do, helping them rediscover joy and confidence.
The Healing Power of the Outdoors
One of the most powerful takeaways from our conversation with Dr. O’Connell is the healing role of nature.
During the pandemic, when parks and trails were closed, many people realized just how vital access to the outdoors had been for their mental health.
“We saw it immediately. People were struggling without access to green space. When it reopened, you could almost feel the collective sigh of relief.”
Spending time outdoors reduces stress, improves mood, and strengthens cognitive health. Something as simple as sitting under a tree or walking a trail can be a form of therapy or mindfulness.
Recreation Builds Connection
Beyond the benefits of fresh air and exercise, recreation is also about connection.
“When you paddle a canoe or play in a league, it’s not just the activity. It’s the relationships that form. That social piece is huge for mental health.”
Dr. O’Connell highlights how therapeutic recreation programs often focus on group experiences that bring people together, especially those who may feel isolated because of health challenges or life circumstances.
Preparing the Next Generation
As chair at Brock University, Dr. O’Connell also speaks passionately about the future of the field. Students can study community recreation, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic recreation at this institution, gaining hands-on experience that prepares them to support people in meaningful ways.
With new degree programs in development, he sees growing opportunities for young professionals.
“We need more people in this field. The demand is there. The impact is real.”
More Than Just Play
Research in the area of therapeutic recreation shows us that play and leisure are not luxuries. They’re lifelines.
Whether it’s a student finding belonging through a campus program, a patient in recovery discovering strength through art, or a community member finding peace in the outdoors, recreation creates space for healing and hope.
As Dr. O’Connell reminds us:
As Dr. O’Connell reminds us:
So the next time you lace up for a game, step outside for a walk, or join friends for an activity you love, remember that you’re not just having fun; you’re taking care of yourself in the most natural way possible.
Connect with Brock University’s Recreation & Leisure Studies program:
https://brocku.ca/programs/undergraduate/recreation-and-leisure-studies
Watch the full conversation on therapeutic recreation with Dr. O’Connell on the SpeakReal Podcast here:
YouthSpeak is a charity organization based in the GTA, Canada that conducts assemblies and interactive workshops to help increase the resiliency of youth facing challenges today. To find out more about our projects and initiatives, visit https://youthspeak.ca/. Help support our For-Youth-by-Youth projects by donating at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/i-support-youthspeak
