The Importance of Play for Adults: Nurturing Mental Health and Joy
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When we hear the word "play," our minds often conjure up images of children engaged in games and laughter. However, play is not solely the domain of kids. As adults, we often get caught up in the demands of daily life, responsibilities, and obligations, leaving little room for play. Yet, incorporating play into our lives is crucial for our mental well-being and overall happiness. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of play for adults, delve into the mental health benefits it offers, and provide some practical ways to infuse play into our day-to-day lives.
The Significance of Play for Adults
Play is not merely a frivolous activity; it serves a purpose in our lives. Taking time to play, to focus on having fun as adults has many real-life quantifiable benefits including:
Stress Relief
Play acts as a natural stress reliever, allowing us to step away from our worries and immerse ourselves in an enjoyable activity. It helps reduce cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and brings about a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Creativity and Imagination
Play stimulates our creative faculties, enabling us to explore new ideas, think outside the box, and approach problems from different perspectives. It encourages imaginative thinking and fosters innovation in our personal and professional lives.
Improved Cognitive Functioning
Play enhances cognitive abilities such as memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. Engaging in intellectually stimulating games or activities helps keep our minds sharp and agile.
Enhanced Social Connections
Play provides an opportunity to connect with others on a deeper level. Engaging in playful activities with friends, family, or colleagues strengthens bonds, promotes camaraderie, and fosters a sense of belonging.
Emotional Well-being
Play triggers the release of endorphins, the feel-good hormones that elevate our mood and increase our overall sense of well-being. It helps combat feelings of depression, anxiety, and boredom, bringing about a sense of joy and fulfillment.
Ways Adults Can Incorporate Play into Their Lives
If you’re ready to commit to increasing ‘Play Time’ here are some ideas to get you started! Remember, play looks different for everyone. For some, social gatherings are key, while for others private creativity comes out on top. However it looks, as long as you’re having fun, and are feeling free, then the play is right!
1. Engage in Hobbies: Rediscover or develop new hobbies that bring you joy and allow you to immerse yourself in playful activities. Whether it's painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, or photography, find activities that ignite your passion.
2. Embrace Physical Play: Engage in physical activities such as sports, dancing, yoga, or hiking. Physical play not only promotes fitness and vitality but also releases endorphins, improving your mental and emotional state.
3. Play with Pets: If you have a furry friend, spend quality time playing and bonding with them. Interacting with pets has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and elevate mood. Remember, this not only benefits you, but your pets too! I have two long legged dogs, who love a good walk, but the mental stimulation of play and training brings them so much joy and a calmness that can’t be replicated by exercise alone.
4. Board Games and Puzzles: Gather friends or family for game nights and indulge in board games, card games, or puzzles. These activities stimulate strategic thinking, promote healthy competition, and provide opportunities for social engagement.
Here are five board games I recommend that are enjoyable to play in pairs, challenge your spouse or housemate to a game. If you live alone, take a look at board game community centres near you, they are full of people who love to play:
This classic word game is perfect for two players. Challenge each other's vocabulary and strategic skills as you create words on the board using letter tiles. It's a great way to engage in friendly competition and expand your word knowledge.
Embark on a cross-country adventure with this popular train-themed board game. Compete against your partner to claim routes, connect cities, and complete destination cards. It offers strategic gameplay and is known for its accessible rules and immersive experience.
This two-player adaptation of the renowned 7 Wonders game provides an engaging and strategic experience. As rival civilizations, you'll build structures, develop military forces, and gather resources to out manoeuvre your opponent and secure victory. It offers a rich depth of gameplay and requires careful planning and decision-making.
In this unique and delightful game, players compete to create the most aesthetically pleasing patchwork quilt. Gather different-shaped pieces and stitch them together on your personal board, aiming to optimize space and score points. It's a relaxing and satisfying game that combines puzzle-solving with a touch of strategy.
Put your communication and deduction skills to the test in this cooperative word game. Work together with your partner to uncover the identities of secret agents while avoiding assassins. The game offers an exciting and challenging experience as you give and interpret clues to reveal the correct words.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and there are numerous other board games available for couples, families and on your own! Choose games that align with your interests and have fun!
5. Unstructured Play: Allow yourself unstructured time to engage in spontaneous activities. Set aside designated "playtime" where you can follow your instincts, explore your interests, or simply let your imagination run wild.
6. Playful Socializing: Inject playfulness into social interactions by engaging in light-hearted conversations, sharing jokes, or participating in social events that encourage laughter and enjoyment. Attend a comedy show with a group of friends, have a ‘dad-joke’ competition at your next dinner party, just encourage the play.
7. Digital Play: Explore online gaming, interactive apps, or virtual reality experiences that offer entertainment and engagement. We have all heard of the dangers of excessive screen time, especially if you’re a parent. It is possible to find a healthy balance! Recently I challenged my nephew to a “who can get the furthest?” game on Crash Bandicoot. It was absolutely brilliant to get back onto a childhood game and lose myself in the silliness. There are ways to include connection into gaming, we just have to find them.
Incorporating play into our lives as adults is not just something we can do but a necessity for our mental well-being and overall happiness. By embracing playfulness, we can reduce stress, enhance creativity, improve cognitive functioning, foster social connections, and promote emotional well-being. So, let's make a conscious effort to infuse play into our day-to-day lives, rediscover the joy of being childlike, and reap the incredible benefits of play as adults. Remember, life is too short not to play!
If you’re still struggling to figure out play, if it feels alien to you, please don’t worry. For many of us, prioritising our careers, our families and lets be honest our bank balances, has led to a life with little space or inclination to play. We can learn to play again, it is simply a skill that needs practice.
If you like to journal, here are 5 prompts to get you thinking about play! Have fun!
1. Reflect on your childhood play experiences. What were some of your favorite activities or games as a child? How did you feel when you were engaged in play? Are there any specific memories or moments that stand out to you? Consider how these childhood play experiences may have influenced your attitudes and approach to play as an adult.
2. Imagine you have a day entirely dedicated to play. What would your ideal play day look like? Describe in detail the activities you would engage in, the places you would visit, and the people you would play with. How would this day of play contribute to your overall well-being and happiness?
3. What are some societal beliefs or expectations that may hinder adults from embracing play? Reflect on any cultural or personal factors that may have influenced your own attitudes towards play. How can you challenge and overcome these barriers to allow more playfulness into your life?
4. Explore the different types of play that resonate with you. Consider physical play, creative play, social play, and intellectual play. Which types of play do you naturally gravitate towards? How can you incorporate more of these preferred types of play into your daily routine?
5. Reflect on the benefits of play in your life. How does play contribute to your mental health, stress relief, creativity, or overall well-being? Have you noticed any positive changes in your mood, mindset, or relationships when you make time for play? Share specific examples and consider how you can prioritize play to enhance your quality of life.
Remember, journaling is a personal and introspective activity, so feel free to explore these prompts in a way that resonates with you. Use your journal as a safe space to express your thoughts, feelings, and insights about the role of play in your life.
Enjoy the process of self-discovery and embrace the joy of play as you reflect on these prompts!