Omaha daily bee., 1914-05-31

the game all his life, for the most essential
part OF relaxation is often obtained not from
the play ITSELF but from the mental diversion
and interest in 1t, and at times quito as much
benef1t may be obtained from an active interest
In any sport as from active participation
third requirement for ideal play for any
person is that it should give pleasure. Without
TINS important attribute the full measure Of
beneht cannot be derived from any form Of
relaxation. The simple and solitary exercises
In gymnasium in no way approach in benefit
tnose derived from games competitions into
which the spirit OF pleasure and keen interest
enter very largely. / question very much for
example the utility Of horseback riding for
those to whom 1t is no JOY but torture and
agony.
In general also, those diversions which nre
sent greatest benefit to the individual are such
as combine with pleasure the greatest possible
change OF action and thought from those ave-
nues most accustomed in the work-a-day Hfe
It may. therefore, be observed that usually
those forms Of play are personally best which
are most pleasant to the individual unless his
appetite in these directions has been abnormal.
ly cultivated or perverted. The natural instinct
OF brain-worker is toward those forms of
pleasure or relaxation which involve physical
exercise. The professor loves his walks, his
nshlng trips or his hunting excursions. On the
other hand, those who earn their daily bread
and who carry on the ordinary functions of
their life chiefly in a physical way should
seek tnelr relaxation more in mental directions
The physical worker for example, commonly
receives his greatest satisfaction and benefit
as to play and relaxation In reading or in some
other mental avocation. 1t is indeed true that
the best of play is oftentimes but a variety of
work or study, change rather than rest
The benefits Of play and relaxation are mot
expressed only in mental terms. 1t is by no
means only to make us happy that we need
play and relaxation. II Is quite as much neces
sary TO make and keep us physically we'll Di.
verting pleasure rests and relieves the tired
and overworked mind as does sleep II IA
nearly as essential and quite as direct in it's
effect on the physical conditions of the BODY
Relaxation and play even affect the most
elemental OF the body functions hfzh blood
pressure may at times be quickly lowered by
the peaceful strains Of agreeable music and
the tagging and tired heart or muscles are
stimulated by the martial strains of the mill
tary band The thrill of the fife and the roll
OF the drum quicken the pulse and send IN
blood pressure more certainly and more prompt.
ly than do strychnine or digitalis. All of us
erly designed to induce Sleep
The purr of the cat and night notes NJ the
thrush are but natures lullabies How fire..
quently II is that few pages of an Interesting
or amusing book will quiet the tired faded or
depressed mind and induce good nature or
sleep much more satisfactorily than any of the
drugs which your doctor has in his saddle-bazs
Relaxation and diverting pleasure are better
aids to digestion than the most potent ferments
on the pharmacists shelves There is no more
powerful stimulant TO the appetite than con.
genial friends and agreeable conversation
These are indeed the best and safest Of cocI
tails.
II is, therefore, we'll worth the time of anv
person, who is either busy or who expects so To
be- TO seriously study and consider this impor.
tant problem OF play, that its more satisfactory
results may assist him throughout life which
will at the same time become thereby more
happy perhaps longer and doubtless more use.
full NSe