The Benefits of Stress Reducing Recreation Programs in Oceanic Work Environments

Mankind's expansion of scientific exploration of the frontiers of space and the oceans for both utilization and potential colonization produces growing concerns with the impacts on those environments and on those who will be and are "working" in those habitats. Tasks may not always be accomplished as easily in ocean environments as on land. This obstacle in itself raises concerns about the demand or stress that workers must confront in such situations. The increasingly larger number of oceanic workers creates increased concerns with the amount of stress confronted and the impact that stress imposes on workers and their performance. Much has been learned about stress, its causes, what it is, how it affects task performance, and how to control and reduce the effects it has on task performance. Recreation activities can be an effective method of stress management and easily implemented in any work environment. These activities can reduce stress levels in highly stressed individuals, enhancing the quality of the work environment while increasing task performance.