leisure | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/leisure/RSS feed for leisureenWed, 13 May 2026 20:39:43 +0000The Relaxation of Regularly Listening to Songs or Drawing Pictures May Actually Slow Cellular Aging, New Research Showshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-relaxation-of-listening-to-a-song-or-drawing-a-picture-may-actually-slow-cellular-aging-new-research-show-180988734/According to a new study, people who are exposed to art on a weekly basis are about a year younger "biologically" than those exposed only once or twice per yearWed, 13 May 2026 20:39:43 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-relaxation-of-listening-to-a-song-or-drawing-a-picture-may-actually-slow-cellular-aging-new-research-show-180988734/Reading for Pleasure Has Declined by a 'Deeply Concerning' 40 Percent Over the Past Two Decadeshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/reading-for-pleasure-has-declined-by-a-deeply-concerning-40-percent-over-the-past-two-decades-180987228/Between 2003 and 2023, the proportion of Americans who read for fun on a given day has been steadily falling, a new study suggestsTue, 26 Aug 2025 14:02:47 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/reading-for-pleasure-has-declined-by-a-deeply-concerning-40-percent-over-the-past-two-decades-180987228/Third Places Are Being Reimagined—and Welcoming Travelers in the Processhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/third-places-are-being-reimagined-and-welcoming-travelers-in-the-process-180987159/Outside of home and work, spaces like parks, food halls and libraries are stepping up with social offeringsThu, 14 Aug 2025 12:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/third-places-are-being-reimagined-and-welcoming-travelers-in-the-process-180987159/Archaeologists Discover Ancient Tokens That Roman Soldiers Used to Play Strategy Gameshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-discover-ancient-tokens-that-roman-soldiers-used-to-play-strategy-games-180985903/The lentil-shaped objects were unearthed in Hadrianopolis, an ancient city in modern-day Turkey, that once hosted a Roman fortressTue, 28 Jan 2025 19:56:36 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-discover-ancient-tokens-that-roman-soldiers-used-to-play-strategy-games-180985903/Archaeologists in Pompeii Discover Private Spa Where Dozens of Guests Bathed in Luxury 2,000 Years Agohttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-in-pompeii-discover-private-spa-where-dozens-of-guests-bathed-in-luxury-2000-years-ago-180985863/The well-preserved thermal bath complex was unearthed at a lavish home likely owned by a member of the ancient city's eliteFri, 17 Jan 2025 21:57:41 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/archaeologists-in-pompeii-discover-private-spa-where-dozens-of-guests-bathed-in-luxury-2000-years-ago-180985863/How a Questionably Fashionable Shirt Bowled America Overhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/questionably-fashionable-bowling-shirt-swept-the-nation-180984503/The gaudy top went from practical necessity to vintage treasureMon, 01 Jul 2024 11:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/questionably-fashionable-bowling-shirt-swept-the-nation-180984503/How Do You Rest in a Culture of Overwork?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-do-you-rest-in-a-culture-of-overwork-180984569/A showcase of Black artists displays the restorative power of relaxation, and defines what it means to reclaim timeWed, 19 Jun 2024 10:30:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/how-do-you-rest-in-a-culture-of-overwork-180984569/Medieval Game Pieces Unearthed Beneath a Castle in Germanyhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-medieval-game-pieces-were-played-with-by-german-nobles-180984509/The "excellently preserved" chess knight, six-sided die and several other pieces are all about 1,000 years oldMon, 10 Jun 2024 20:02:44 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-medieval-game-pieces-were-played-with-by-german-nobles-180984509/These Pits Carved Into Rocks in Kenya Might Be Ancient Game Boardshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-carved-pits-on-a-kenyan-rock-ledge-may-be-ancient-game-boards-180983745/An archaeologist thinks the small, carved holes were used by herders for games of mancala up to 5,000 years agoWed, 07 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/these-carved-pits-on-a-kenyan-rock-ledge-may-be-ancient-game-boards-180983745/Seven Perfect Summer Spots for Tubing in the United Stateshttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/seven-perfect-summer-spots-for-tubing-in-the-united-states-180982159/From Hawaii to Michigan, these waterways offer slow floats with loads of nature and scenery to take in along the wayThu, 11 May 2023 16:48:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/seven-perfect-summer-spots-for-tubing-in-the-united-states-180982159/