Improve Your Life Through Play

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

We are careful to plan our work and organize our schedules, but we often neglect the essential counterpart to all this structure: play.  Contrary to popular opinion, play is not just for children.  It is vital for our overall well-being and creativity as adults.

The Importance of Play

Dr. Stuart Brown, a pioneering researcher on the importance of play, asserts that play is not just an activity.  Rather, it is a fundamental necessity that significantly contributes to our physical, mental, and emotional health.

For children, play is instrumental in developing crucial skills such as social interactions, problem solving abilities, and creativity.  Through play, children learn how to navigate the world, interact with others, and cultivate their imaginations.

For adults, play offers a means to reconnect with creativity and spontaneity, both in personal and professional areas of life.  Engaging in playful activities can help reduce stress and elevate mood by providing a necessary break from the daily grind. This pause from routine and responsibilities allows us to relax, rejuvenate, and return to our tasks with renewed energy and perspective.

Play also has profound social benefits.  Participating in playful activities helps build strong social bonds and enhances relationships.  Whether it’s through sports teams, games, or social events, play fosters trust and cooperation, creating a sense of community and shared experience. The key is that the activity is enjoyable and voluntary, providing a sense of freedom and engagement. 

Incorporating Play into Your Life

To reap the benefits of play, it’s important to incorporate it into your daily life.  Reflect on how you used to have fun as a child and try to find adult equivalents that bring you joy.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Games: Board games, video games, or card games
• Sports: Join a local sports team or engage in solo activities like golf or swimming
• Parks/Theme Parks: Spend a day enjoying rides and attractions
• Parties/Gatherings: Host or attend social events
• Movies: Watch your favorite films or discover new ones
• Outdoor Activities: Hiking, biking, camping, or fishing
• Exercise: Visit the gym or join group fitness classes
• Gardening: Cultivate plants and flowers in your garden
• Arts & Crafts: Engage in creative projects like painting, knitting, or DIY crafts
• Explore Local Attractions: Visit museums, art galleries, or historical sites
• Music: Listen to music, play an instrument, or attend concerts
• Dance: Take a dance class or dance at home
• Laugh: Watch comedy shows or spend time with friends who make you laugh
• Travel: Explore new places and have adventures
• Cooking: Experiment with new recipes or cook your favorite dishes
• Writing: Keep a journal or write stories
• Reading: Dive into books that interest you
• Join a Club: Find a club that matches your interests
• Attend a Festival: Participate in local festivals and fairs
• Puzzles & Brain Games: Challenge yourself with puzzles and brain games

For more insights from Dr. Stuart Brown, check out his TED Talk here.

If you’re feeling stressed about incorporating more fun into your life, try EFT Tapping with my YouTube video here.

How will you play and have fun today?