The article analyzes the concepts of free time, rest and relaxation as a process determined by social conditions, that relieve fatigue, restore a person’s spiritual and intellectual strength. Leisure time is also cited as part of the free time used to preserve, disseminate, consume these spiritual cultural values, amateur creativity, entertainment and recreation, and other types of unregulated activities that promote further personal development. The article discusses the theoretical understanding of leisure and recreation, as well as the views and approaches of thinkers on the importance of leisure, socio-historical and individual characteristics.