The Power of Play: Why Adults Need It More Than Ever
In our previous article, we explored the numerous benefits
of play for adults, from relieving stress to enhancing creativity. However, in
today's nonstop, hyperconnected world, carving out time for play can feel next
to impossible. Why, then, is embracing our inner child so critical - and how
can busy adults integrate more playfulness into daily life?
The Decline of Play in American Culture
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Over the last few decades, play has taken a backseat to more
“productive” activities. A 2011 article in The Atlantic described play as “a
victim of the productivity culture.” Work and achievement are prioritized over
unstructured fun. This decline in playtime has been linked to rising rates of
anxiety, depression, loneliness, and digital addiction in adults as well as
children1.
Play deprivation is intertwined with longer work hours,
increased screen time, hyper-scheduling of children, and the loss of
neighborhood social connections. However, the tendency to trivialize play as
“kid stuff” prevents us from recognizing its profound cognitive, emotional,
social, and even spiritual benefits.
Why Adults Need Play More Than Ever
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More play time could be the antidote to much of what ails
us. Here’s why embracing play is so important:
It relieves stress. Play releases endorphins that counteract
the effects of cortisol, the stress hormone. Laughing, dancing, playing music,
or engaging in creative activities are all forms of play that can relax and
rejuvenate frazzled nerves.
It sparks innovation. Unstructured play fosters flexible
thinking and creative problem-solving. Silly games and improvisational humor
force us out of ingrained thought patterns. Freed from criticism and judgement,
we can make new mental connections.
It connects us to flow. Becoming absorbed in play activates
the state of flow - a trance-like focus and immersion in activity. Flow
promotes a feeling of energized focus that results in optimal performance and
enjoyment.
It fosters human connection. Play brings people together.
Shared fun and laughter strengthen social bonds. Silly games break down
barriers and enable a spirit of levity.
It promotes lifelong learning. Games that are intellectually
challenging exercise our minds and boost cognitive functioning. Play fuels
curiosity and the acquisition of new skills.
It cultivates resilience. Taking risks, failing, picking
ourselves back up - play teaches us emotional skills to navigate setbacks.
Instead of giving up when we fail, we are motivated to try again.
It prevents burnout. After working hard, play provides a
necessary counterbalance. It’s a time for relaxation and rejuvenation, helping
us avoid chronic stress and exhaustion.
Play is no longer viewed as a frivolous pastime. Research
continues to reveal its profound importance for emotional, mental, social, and
even physical well-being across our entire lifespan. But to harness its
benefits, we must overcome barriers to integrating more play into daily life.
Overcoming Obstacles to Play
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For busy adults, finding time for play can be challenging.
How can we inject more fun and levity amid never-ending obligations? Here are
suggestions for overcoming common obstacles:
No Time
Schedule playtime just as you would any important activity.
Start small - even 10 minutes can refresh your mood and outlook.
Feeling Too Stressed
Play is most important when you feel overwhelmed. Engage in
an absorbing, joyful activity to give your brain a break from worrying.
Lack Inspiration
Try playful activities you enjoyed as a child, like telling
jokes or acting silly. Nostalgia will help you tap into a playful spirit.
Don't Know What You Enjoy
Experiment with new activities that seem intriguing, without
pressuring yourself. Play is about following your curiosity.
Feel Self-Conscious
Let loose your inner child's spirit of fun and abandon! Play
is often most enjoyable when we're not judging ourselves.
Don't Want to Play Alone
Organize playtime with your family, spouse, or friends.
Shared laughter and fun can strengthen relationships.
By giving yourself permission to play, you can begin to
integrate more fun and connection into each day. But what are the most
effective ways busy adults can play?
Integrating Play into Everyday Life
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You don't need hours of free time to tap into the power of
play. With some small tweaks to your daily routine, playfulness can become a
natural part of life. Here are easy ways to play more:
Waking Up - Sing or dance while you brush your teeth
or make breakfast. Listen to a comedy podcast as you get ready.
Commuting - Play a game in your head, like naming
bands starting with each letter. Chat or joke around with a neighbor.
At Work - Take regular play breaks for joke sharing
or funny YouTube videos. Doodle in meetings or make creative to-do lists. Have
walking meetings outside.
Exercising - Incorporate playfulness into workouts,
like racing friends or playing "eye spy" on a hike. Try new active
games and classes.
Cooking - Mix-up recipes or have tasting contests.
Play music or sing together as a family. Decorate the table in fun themes.
Cleaning - Set a timer and tidy as fast as you can.
Dance as you put things away. Listen to audiobooks or energetic music.
Unwinding - At day's end, play cards or board games,
work on a puzzle, or engage in creative arts like adult coloring books.
Family Time - Schedule regular family game nights. Go
on outdoor adventures together. Play one-on-one with your kids or spouse.
With Friends - Get together regularly for game
nights, improv classes, dance sessions, comedy shows - anything fun and
interactive.
Before Bed - Do calming activities like listening to
music, reading fiction, or meditating. Avoid screens.
Play Should Not Be Optional
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In the past, play may have been dismissed as non-essential -
an afterthought rather than a priority in our hectic lives. Yet the physical,
mental, social, and creative benefits are too significant to ignore. Play can
no longer be viewed as optional; it is a crucial form of self-care and part of
our human need for joy. The good news is that meaningful play requires neither
extensive time nor money. Simply adopting a spirit of lightheartedness can help
transform any activity or moment of the day into a chance to play.
So as you go about your busy life, look for small windows of
time to jump into with childlike abandon. Your body, brain, relationships, and
mood will thank you. Play on!
