The Benefits of Play

Close your eyes and think back to when you were a little kid, playing with your friends on a hot summer day. Running around, laughing, and without a care in the world. Some of the happiest memories we have in life are from times we engaged in play, yet we often take it for granted.

In our fast-paced, responsibility-laden lives, the concept of play often seems reserved just for children. When we were young, we explored, learned, and connected with others through play. However, as we grew older, we began to suffer from “Grown-up-itis,” believing that as adults, we need to be rational, logical, mature, serious, and stoic.

We have forgotten the magical, mystical mysteries of life, that we knew as children. We’ve disconnected from our playful spirit and lost our sense of childlike wonder.

We’ve exchanged play for work and responsibilities, and when we do have leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in creative, brain-stimulating play. But by giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap its benefits throughout life.

Play is just as crucial for you as an adult as it was when you were a child, offering benefits that enhance your overall well-being; as important for your physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising.

Play is not a luxury but a necessity. By incorporating play into your life, you can reduce stress, foster creativity, strengthen social connections, improve physical health, and enhance your mental well-being.

Embracing play is about nurturing overall well-being and fostering a healthier, more balanced life. As playwright George Bernard Shaw famously said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” By reclaiming your innate capacity for playfulness, you not only enrich your own life but also contribute to a happier and more connected community around you.

So, embrace the power of play and make it a priority in your daily routine. If you find yourself suffering from “grown-up-itis,” perhaps it’s time to embrace a little more whimsy and joy and add a little more play to your life.

Reconnecting with your playful spirit can be joyful and rewarding.

• Engage in Creative Activities
• Play Games
• Spend Time Outdoors
• Try Something New
• Laugh More
• Be Spontaneous
• Spend Time with Children
• Practice Mindfulness
• Join a community
• Give Yourself Permission to be playful and embrace the joy it brings.

Remember, play is not just for kids—it’s a vital part of a healthy, balanced life. What playful activity are you excited to try first?