Of all of the personal development or self-help activities we can engage in, fun and play are probably the most underused and disregarded. Contrary to what people think, adults aren’t being lazy or thoughtless when we turn our attention to activities that are recreational and entertaining, we’re tapping into one of the greatest resources for our overall health.
For many adults, letting go of being serious and focused on adult responsibilities isn’t easy or in the forefront of importance. I promise anyone who incorporates play into their life on a regular basis will be much better prepared to handle whatever issues come your way.
Along with the emotional benefits, there are a variety of health benefits by adding play into your life. According to helpguide.com, play:
- Relieves stress
- Improves brain function
- Stimulates the mind and boosts creativity
- Improves relationships and your connections to others
- Keeps you feeling young and energetic
- Helps develop and improve social skills
- Teaches cooperation with others
- Heals emotional wounds
- Boosts innovation
Jack Canfield, author of Chicken Soup for the Soul books, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Corporate Trainer shares his thoughts on the positive effects of fun and play.
For many years I allowed the seriousness of my responsibilities to control my way of being. Then the opportunity arose to make a significant change in my life away from the considerable and weighty issues I had to deal with. During that transition, I felt the need to liberate myself and embrace playfulness and the wonder of life, be curious and have fun. Now, I don’t think twice about being spontaneous and having fun. I’ve created a sense of harmony and balance by injecting play into my life, no matter what’s going on around me, I am always sure to incorporate laughter and enjoyment into my day.
Imagine a billion people pushing for play time, not in a frivolous way or a way that negates progress, but in a way that supplements and allows us to make even more progress. It’s time to put play back into our lives. Jared Keller
According to Dr. Stuart Brown, a play researcher and psychiatrist out of CA, adult play may actually increase our intellect.
“Of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all. We are built to play and built through play. Most obviously, it is intensely pleasurable. It energizes and enlivens us. It eases our burdens.”
Here are some innovative ideas for you to pick and choose from that incorporates play into your everyday life.
make play a part of your day – from Genuisofplay.com
- Use unscheduled time to be creative, to daydream, reflect and decompress
- Appreciate playtime – whether it’s alone or with other adults or children
- Smile and laugh often throughout the day
- Try new things and experience the unexpected
- Participate in a variety of arts/sports/activities whenever you can to expand your horizons
- Make mental connections (e.g., “how else can I use this,” “what else can this do?”)
- Sing and dance just for the fun of it
- Spend time with the children in your life, observing them as they play, listening to their conversation, and following their train of thought
- Cultivate a happy, joyful, positive attitude, full of gratitude for even the smallest, everyday things
- Plan to make play part of your day, whether it is indoor or outdoor, solo or social, active or quiet
Finally, the human experience is spiritual, play is spiritual. Play is a time when we take a break from thinking, essentially connecting with all that is. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy life and move away from the grind of work and the pressures of everyday life. Laughter and play are necessary parts of life and a time to reflect on all of the things that make us happy to be alive.
It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.” ~ Wayne Dyer
Thank you for reading my post, I appreciate your time, namaste.
Wisdom of a Woman's Heart 