You know the old proverb "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”?
The list of stress-related diseases grows daily, and many of us are employed in highly stressful jobs. The stresses of the past year are numerous and overwhelming. These extreme times can make it extra hard to even think about playing when things are so serious. Many of you may feel so exhausted physically or mentally, that there is no energy to play.
What’s The Value in Play?
As children, playing is a focal point of the day. As adults, you may think you don't have time to play or you don't see the "value" of it. Studies have shown that play improves problem-solving and brain function. It can reduce stress, stimulate creativity and release endorphins. It can help manage and balance difficult emotions. As you play, you "lighten up", connect with others and feel freedom.
Many adults think they’re “too old” to play. "The National Institute for Play (NIP) believes that play can dramatically transform your health, your relationships, the education we provide our children, and the capacity of corporations to innovate." NIP also notes play is the gateway to vitality, generates optimism, enhances relationships, improves a sense of humor.
"Play may be the very thing that keeps you young and healthier. Studies show that a life lived without play is at increased risk for stress-related diseases, mental health issues, addiction, and interpersonal violence."
Play is Good for Your Health & Wellbeing
Play is essential for social wellbeing. Play is how we connect. Without play, adults are not much fun to be around and everything can be a "chore" and there is less joy in their life. Without play, it's hard to give your best to your job or relationships.
Although the subject of health has a very serious side, too much seriousness in life breeds anxiety and fear. Seriousness is the generator of judgment and we get caught up in evaluating, questioning, and judging all aspects of our lives. Do whatever breaks the undue seriousness in your life and open up to play and just lighten up! Make a promise to yourself and get out there and play at whatever activity you enjoy
Ask yourself the following questions?
What energizes you?
What is pleasurable to you?
What makes you laugh or lighten up?
What were your favorite forms of play as a child?
How to Play
Play can take many forms and it is all individual as to preferences. Playing a sport is an obvious one, dancing, bicycling, gardening, cooking, board or card games, arts and crafts, laughing with friends or kids, having a pet, reading, meditation or yoga are all possibilities to play and enjoy.
Play can awaken you and your whole being. It can increase your intuition, creativity, and spontaneity. It can even make work more enjoyable! You can think about ways to introduce play into your work such as contests/challenges, fun brainstorming sessions, mind-mapping and mind games, music, and/or fitness/stretching breaks.
Questions to Self!
Do I enjoy and take time for spontaneous activities?
Do I value myself for who I am, not just for what I do?
Do I avoid taking on unnecessary and unrealistic burdens and responsibilities?
Do I make an effort to play and work cooperatively, not competitively?
Am I able to lighten up and avoid taking myself too seriously?
Do I use relaxation practices to transform stressful or negative attitudes or times?
Do I balance the challenges and stresses of my life with playful and nurturing attitudes and activities?
Do I take time each day to nurture and strengthen myself physically, emotionally, and spiritually?
Am I able to laugh easily?
Quotes to Ponder
It takes one a long time to become young. ~Pablo Picasso
You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation. ~ Plato