Play
As children we are naturally playful, it’s how we learn about the world ourselves and one another. Curiosity, imagination and creativity drive these interactions and experiences, and we are more apt to live in the present when playing as kids. In the transition from childhood to adulthood a lot of adults lose connection with the playful parts of themselves that seem to come so naturally to them as kids. Adult responsibilities and systems usually take over, and play is something that is not prioritized in many adults and therefore is left behind.
Playing can be as simple as goofing off with your friends, sharing a joke with a co-worker, throwing a football, dressing up on Halloween, playing fetch, playing charades, or aimlessly taking a walk or a bike ride. Playing with your romantic partner, friends, coworkers, pets and children is a sure way to fuel imagination creativity problem solving abilities and emotional well-being. Adult play is a time to strategically forget about work and commitments and to be social in an unstructured and creative way, like kids. Play is not just essential for kids it can be important as a source of relaxation and stimulation for adults too. Play can add joy to life, relieve stress, supercharge learning and connect you to others in the world around you. Of course, playing with your pet is lovely but for greater benefits play should involve at least one other person away from the sensory overload of electronic gadgets that we often reach for.
Play as an adult has been shown to relieve stress, improve brain function, stimulate the mind, boost creativity, improve relationships, keep you feeling young and energetic, and improve your connection with others. Play can trigger the release of endorphins which are the body’s natural feel-good chemicals and those chemicals promote and overall sense of well-being that can even give temporary pain relief. Puzzles, chess, Sudoku and other games or activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory issues and improve overall brain function.
The social aspect of playing can help decrease risk of depression and stress, that play time with family and friends has a purpose. Kids often think best when they’re playing and that also applies to adults. Play stimulates your imagination, helps you solve problems and you learn a new task better when it’s fun and you’re in a relaxed mood. Play does not have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Having a playful nature can help you loosen up in new situations like with strangers, making new friends or forming new business relationships. Sharing fun and play can build empathy, compassion, trust and intimacy with others around you. George Bernard Shaw states “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”.
If you feel completely out of touch with your playful side it’s not gone, you can reclaim your inner child by setting aside regular quality play time. The more you play, joke and laugh the easier it becomes. We often fear rejection and embarrassment or ridicule when trying to be playful or worry about being labeled as childish. If you find yourself limiting your playfulness it’s possible your sub-conscious is concerned about how you look and sound to others when attempting to be lighthearted. Reconnecting with your playful side takes practice and it’s never too late to go back to an activity or hobby that brought you joy in childhood when you played.
Here are some examples for how to create opportunities to play:
-host a regular game night
-arrange a night out with work colleagues
-schedule time at a park or beach
-play with a pet
-surround yourself with playful people
-joke with strangers
-visit the magic store or craft store
-play with children
If play feels difficult and you would like to talk more about reconnecting with that younger part of yourself, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed mental health counselors.
Resources
https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/wellbeing/benefits-of-play-for-adults
