PSYCHORECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES OF TOURIST ACTIVITIES

Abstract

The article examines the psycho-recreational potential of tourism in the context of modern social transformations, particularly during wartime. Tourism fulfills not only cultural and educational purposes but also a therapeutic function, contributing to the psycho-emotional recovery of the individual. It is noted that in Ukrainian socio- cultural reality during wartime, leisure often acquires the stigma of being incompatible with collective mobilization in the struggle against a common enemy. At the same time, research findings and practical experience demonstrate the effectiveness of tourist programs in reducing stress levels, increasing resilience, and preventing self-destructive practices. The article also addresses the historical aspects of travel as a means of restoring spiritual and psychological resources, from pilgrimages and intellectual journeys of the medieval elite to modern mass tourism. It emphasizes that in the 21st century, tourism has become an accessible tool for psycho-recreation for broad segments of society, though it remains constrained by social and role frameworks that may provoke frustration and a sense of stagnation.The author highlights the psychological mechanisms of tourist psycho-recreation, which involve temporarily stepping out of traditional role patterns, forming new social contacts, reshaping cognitive and behavioral models, and stimulating exploratory activity. Essential conditions include full immersion in a new environment, the use of short-term individual or group programs, digital detox practices, and the alternation of intensive cognitive activities with relaxation breaks. In conclusion, the article underlines that tourism is a natural means of psycho-emotional recovery, effectively complementing psychotherapeutic and rehabilitation programs while helping to overcome burnout, post-traumatic states, and depressive symptoms. Travel fosters inner harmony, expands social experience, strengthens resilience, and enhances adaptability.A promising direction for further research is the empirical study of typological differences in stress resilience among individuals who regularly practice tourist psycho-recreation as a form of leisure organization.