1.2. Describe the ways in which the experience of an activity can be positive

This guide will help you answer 1.2. Describe the ways in which the experience of an activity can be positive.

Taking part in activities often leads to a range of positive effects for people in health and social care. These effects touch physical, emotional, social and cognitive (thinking) aspects of people’s lives. Activities can mean anything a person enjoys, finds meaningful, or does during daily life – such as arts and crafts, group games, gardening, cooking, reading or visiting local places.

Engagement in these activities can help people build confidence, improve their overall mood, strengthen relationships, and keep their minds and bodies active. In this guide, we will look at the different ways activities have a positive impact on those who join in.

Boosting Emotional Wellbeing

Doing something enjoyable uplifts mood and creates a sense of achievement. For many, taking part in an activity helps ease feelings of sadness, worry, or loneliness.

Some positive emotional results from activities include:

• Feeling valued and included
• Gaining a sense of purpose
• Experiencing enjoyment or pleasure
• Reducing boredom
• Easing anxiety and stress

For example, someone who paints or gardens each week may feel proud of what they’ve achieved. Even small wins help build a stronger sense of self-worth.

When someone chooses the activity or has a say in how it’s done, they feel more in control. This strengthens their self-esteem. Feeling valued and listened to can also help ease feelings of loss, especially for people living in care settings.

Improving Social Connections

Loneliness affects mental and physical health. Taking part in activities, either one-to-one or in a group, fosters new friendships and helps people feel less isolated.

Activities encourage:

• Conversation and shared experiences
• Opportunities to meet others with similar interests
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Peer support

During a quiz, group sit-down exercises or creative workshops, people talk and listen to each other. Shared experiences bring people together and help strengthen bonds. This builds trust and develops new or existing friendships.

In some cases, activities help people stay connected to their communities – for instance, attending a local coffee morning or supporting a charity event. These connections boost morale and a sense of belonging.

Maintaining and Improving Physical Health

Physical activities like walking, chair-based exercises, gentle sports or gardening offer clear health benefits. Being active is known to keep the body stronger, reduce the risk of falls, and help manage or improve some illnesses.

Benefits of physical activities include:

• Improved mobility and balance
• Increased strength and flexibility
• Better heart and lung function
• Helping maintain a healthy weight
• Promoting better sleep
• Reducing the risk of certain illnesses (such as diabetes or heart disease)

Even activities that are not focused on movement, such as gardening or light housework, keep people active. Keeping physically engaged helps people remain as independent as possible. This, in turn, can help delay the need for more intensive support.

Developing Skills and Confidence

Activities allow people to learn something new or practise skills they already have. This is true for adults, young people, and children.

Some positive outcomes in this area:

• Gaining new knowledge (such as learning to cook a meal, using technology or understanding a new board game)
• Strengthening existing abilities (such as reading, maths or social skills)
• Boosting memory and attention skills
• Improving problem-solving and decision-making

When someone succeeds at a task – small or large – it strengthens their confidence and encourages them to try new things. For those recovering from illness or injury, tailored activities can help them regain skills that support daily living.

Supporting Cognitive (Thinking) Abilities

Cognitive health is about how well the brain works. Activities that involve thinking can slow cognitive decline or help reduce confusion for people with dementia or other memory challenges.

Examples of thinking-focused activities:

• Puzzles and board games
• Reading, writing, or storytelling
• Memory games
• Learning new languages or skills

Taking part in these tasks keeps the brain active. It can help maintain focus, improve short-term memory, and keep attention skills sharp. For those with dementia, familiar activities can bring comfort and improve orientation (knowing where they are and what’s going on).

Encouraging Independence and Choice

Having choice in activities supports people’s rights to self-determination. This means they can make decisions about their own lives, which is part of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 in the UK.

Being able to choose:

• What activity to take part in
• How long they spend on it
• Who they do it with
• What role they play (leading, joining in, helping others)

This approach allows people to take charge and shows respect for their opinions. Taking part on their own terms gives people a sense of control and independence, no matter what support needs they have.

Cultural, Spiritual and Personal Identity

Activities connected to a person’s background or beliefs help celebrate cultural identity. This might involve religious celebrations, music, food, or traditions that are meaningful to the person.

Benefits of meaningful cultural or spiritual activities:

• Enhancing sense of belonging
• Supporting dignity and respect
• Promoting understanding among different groups
• Valuing each person as an individual

Marking special days or sharing stories from different cultures helps people feel proud of their roots. It can also offer comfort for those missing home or family.

Reducing Challenging Behaviour

Challenging behaviour is when someone acts in a way that is difficult for others to manage, such as shouting or withdrawing. Sometimes this behaviour is a way of expressing boredom, pain, or frustration.

Positive activity experiences:

• Redirect energy and attention away from frustration
• Lower tension and agitation
• Provide positive outlets for emotions
• Replace negative behaviour with alternative, enjoyable experiences

A busy, interested person is less likely to develop behaviours that cause harm to themselves or others. For example, if a person who gets restless in the afternoon is encouraged to join a movement session, they may feel less frustrated.

Promoting Dignity and Respect

Dignity means treating each individual with value and respect. When you offer people a choice of activities suited to their needs and interests, you show care for their preferences.

Positive activity experiences:

• Honour the individual’s history and likes
• Show respect for person’s views and wishes
• Encourage participation at the person’s chosen level

This approach treats everyone as a valued adult, not just a patient or service user. People feel more respected and trusted when their choices are taken seriously.

Building and Strengthening Community Links

Engaging in local events, clubs or volunteering connects people to their wider community. This builds a support network beyond the immediate care setting.

Key benefits include:

• Greater sense of citizenship
• Encouraging inclusion and equality
• Access to information and services
• Opportunities to contribute through volunteering

Being part of community life reduces social isolation. It enables people to play an active part in society, which boosts positive feeling and self-worth.

Providing Structure and Routine

Some people feel anxious or lost without a daily routine. Having set times for activities helps bring order and predictability, which is comforting.

Benefits of structured activities:

• Providing a sense of stability
• Helping people know what to expect
• Reducing anxiety around new situations
• Marking important times and events

Routine is helpful for people with memory issues or learning disabilities who benefit from clear structure. Knowing what will happen next can lessen confusion and build confidence.

Respecting Individual Pace and Abilities

A positive activity is one that is right for each person. Adjusting activities for people’s abilities or energy means that everyone can join in.

Positive effects come from:

• Setting achievable goals
• Adapting materials or environment
• Giving support without taking over
• Praising effort, not just results

This reduces a fear of failure or embarrassment. Even small steps forward help people feel proud and encourage further effort.

Opportunities for Relaxation and Enjoyment

Activities are not just about improvement or learning; they can simply be about fun, peace and relaxation.

Ways people can benefit from relaxing activities:

• Reducing stress through calming tasks like music or hand massage
• Enjoying quiet time through reading, drawing or puzzles
• Boosting happiness with games, laughter or storytelling

Pleasure and relaxation help people unwind and feeling less tense. This is important for everyone, especially those with high support needs.

Individual Stories and Successes

Many care workers see first-hand how activities help people. Some examples include:

• A group art session helping someone with depression to express feelings
• Cooking classes boosting a young adult’s skills and confidence for independent living
• Reminiscence sessions helping older adults feel heard and valued
• Gentle movement classes leading to better balance for people with arthritis
• Shared music or dance inspiring greater happiness and energy among people with dementia

Celebrating small and large achievements motivates others to get involved and builds a more positive, supportive environment.

Involving Families and Friends

Activities often offer a way for friends or relatives to get involved too. This strengthens relationships and helps families feel part of their loved one’s care.

This can:

• Encourage shared enjoyment and create happy memories
• Foster better communication and understanding
• Reduce feelings of guilt among family who worry about their relative
• Support families to be more active in care planning

Making activities open and welcoming helps new visitors feel comfortable and keeps relationships strong.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Inclusive activities mean everyone gets a chance, whatever their age, ability or background.

Best practices for positive experiences:

• Making adjustments for people with disabilities (like large-print books, ramps or sensory tools)
• Using easy-to-understand instructions
• Adapting the pace or environment for everyone’s benefit
• Encouraging feedback and suggestions from participants

Supporting access for all fosters a welcoming, open atmosphere and helps everyone take part.

Recognising Success, No Matter How Small

Achievement means different things to different people. For one person, success might mean painting a picture. For another, it could be simply joining a group for the first time.

Positive reinforcement involves:

• Praising effort, not just results
• Celebrating improvement
• Setting individual targets
• Helping people to notice and appreciate progress

Small wins encourage continued participation. This builds a stronger sense of self-belief.

Final Thoughts

Taking part in meaningful activities offers a huge range of positive effects for people in health and social care. This goes far beyond simply passing the time. Benefits cover emotional, physical, social, cognitive and cultural needs.

Care workers play a vital role in making activities enjoyable and accessible. By seeing each person as an individual, and offering a variety of choices, activity experiences can be both positive and life-enhancing.