Playing is something everyone expects children to do. They even tell them to “go and play”. But what about adults?
When adults play and have fun oftentimes they feel guilty about it. Playing around feels like wasting time and a violation of a solid work ethic.
BUT “adulting” is hard. Grown up life is demanding and full of responsibilities.
There is so much to focus on,
so much to do,
so much to remember,
so much stress.
So, so, so, much stuff going on, all the time, nonstop, go, go, go.
Depending on where you are in the timeline of your life: there are jobs to go to, classes to attend, children to raise, projects to finish, deadlines to meet, elderly parents to take care of, meetings to attend, things to repair/maintain/replace, mortgages to pay etc.
Busy, busy, busy is the mantra of many.
Yet in the background of the mind is an unmet need screaming…
…make it stop…I need to breathe!
Even vacations can turn into whirlwinds of activity. It’s not uncommon to hear someone say they need a vacation after their vacation. Why is that? Various reasons. One is accomplishing activities instead of enjoying them. Another is doing nothing and calling it relaxing, instead of playing.
Why do adults think they don’t need playtime?
Because there is a lack of understanding of the VALUE of play, and therefore the NEED for play.
Adults NEED playtime!
“Play is a banquet for the brain and a smorgasbord for the senses.” —Mark Bekoff Ph.D.
WHY
INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY – Contrary to the thought that play is a waste of time, it actually increases the function of our brains which in turn causes better productivity with work. It’s an important part in the cycle of work/rest that helps eliminate burnout.
IMPROVE PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH – Playing increases energy, youthful feelings and feeds the immune system. Definitions of play say it’s not just for fun but for recreation, refreshment and restoration! These things increase your physical and emotional health.
RELIEVE STRESS – Playing causes our bodies to release those wonderful things called endorphins which cause us to feel good and therefore relax and enjoy more.
IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING – Play causes creativity and innovation. These two things are vital ingredients in problem solving.
“Play is the highest form of research” —Albert Einstein
HELP LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD – Playing fosters optimism, improves mood, promotes problem solving, and lightens sorrow. Have you ever experienced the easing of sorrow while at a funeral home? People visiting with the grieving many times share stories of the loved one who has passed. When it happens to be a funny story and generates laughter the atmosphere feels lighter and the grieving are refreshed.
BOOST MENTAL HEALTH – Play is an essential ingredient to good mental health. Because play reduces stress and increases creativity it wards off depression. Playing things that challenge the mind improves brain function.
“The opposite of play is not work, it’s depression.” —Dr Brown
IMPROVE/GAIN NEW RELATIONSHIPS – Playing together refreshes and strengthens long time relationships. It also increases opportunity for trust and deeper sharing (intimacy). Play is a great ice breaker making it easier to make new friends.
INCREASE JOY IN YOUR LIFE – Playing and having fun feeds our inner joy.
LEARN BETTER – In life there is always something more to learn. It’s common practice to use play for teaching children. That usefulness doesn’t go away once we grow up. The truth remains true.
“Play is indispensable to human progress.” —Lauren Laverne
LIVE A BETTER LIFE – Lack of play increases risk for stress related diseases, mental health issues, addiction and interpersonal violence. John 10:10 in the Bible records Jesus saying this: I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].
SO – Give yourself permission to play! God already has.
Let’s talk!
LEAVE SOME COMMENTS on:
- HOW to increase playtime in your life.
- WAYS to have some fun
- OR What’s stressing you out? Let others give you comfort and ideas to help
TWO ideas from me:
- Get your creative juices flowing again with a copy of the “Creative Sandbox Way” created by Melissa Dinwiddie.
- Watch this video on how the existence of the universe is basically playful.
Great story. Someone should make a list of ways adults can play.
Wonderful! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
That’s a great idea. Perhaps I’ll do that. Thanks!