DON’T Put Away Childish Things! Rediscovering the Power of Play as an Adult.

Remember finger painting, building dens, and spending hours lost in imaginary worlds? Play was once an essential part of our lives, fuelling our creativity and keeping us endlessly entertained. But as we navigate the adult world – the world of bills, mortgages and work commitments – play often gets relegated to a forgotten corner of our lives.

Research suggests that neglecting our playful side might be a big mistake. A study published in Thinking Skills and Creativity found that engaging in playful activities can actually enhance problem-solving abilities. The study involved participants completing tasks that required creative solutions. Those who engaged in playful activities beforehand, such as building with blocks, demonstrated greater creativity and flexibility in their thinking.

So why is play so important, even for serious professionals and business owners? Here are a few reasons to dust off your inner child and rediscover the joy of play.

• Boosts Creativity and Problem-Solving: Play allows us to experiment, take risks, and approach problems from different angles. It frees us from rigid thinking patterns and opens the door to innovative solutions. A 2017 study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that engaging in playful activities increased levels of divergent thinking, a crucial aspect of creativity.
• Reduces Stress and Improves Mood: Remember the feeling of pure joy and relaxation after a good game or a fun activity? Play isn’t just about light-heartedness; it’s a powerful stress reliever. When we play, our brains release endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins combat stress hormones and leave us feeling happier and more relaxed – vital in our incredibly busy lives!
• Strengthens Connections and Builds Teamwork: Play isn’t just a solitary activity. Whether it’s a board game night with friends, joining a recreational sports team, or engaging in playful banter with colleagues, play fosters social connection and strengthens bonds. Studies have shown that play can improve communication, collaboration and empathy – all essential skills for thriving in professional and personal settings.
• Keeps Your Mind Sharp: Play activities that challenge you mentally, like puzzles or word games can help keep your cognitive skills sharp. Engaging your brain in playful ways can improve memory, focus, and overall cognitive function.

Play is a powerful stress reliever.

Making Play a Part of Your Busy Life

So, how can you incorporate play into your busy adult life? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Rediscover old hobbies or try something new: Did you enjoy painting as a child? Find an art class or even a YouTube tutorial. Always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Do it – it’s never too late!
• Get outside and explore: create a bit of forest art, find the best twigs and use them as drumsticks, build sandcastles on the beach – let the great outdoors inspire you!
• Dance about: put your favourite tunes on and dance like no one’s watching! If you feel like a fool, all the better…
• Embrace the silliness: Don’t take yourself too seriously! Laugh at yourself, make jokes, and find humour in everyday situations.
• Reconnect with your inner child: Remember the things you used to enjoy as a kid. Revisit those activities or find new ways to capture that sense of fun and wonder.

Don’t take yourself too seriously!

Remember, play doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. It’s more about the mindset you bring to the activity. See if you can let go of inhibitions, embrace curiosity, and allow yourself to have fun. By incorporating play into your life, you’ll not only feel happier and more relaxed, but you might also find yourself becoming more creative, more resilient, and more connected to the people around you. So, go ahead, dust off those board games, pick up a new hobby, or simply allow yourself to laugh a little more. Remember you’re only on this journey once – you might as well enjoy the ride!

How will you inject a little more fun and laughter into your day?