Creating Room For More Fun And Play In Your Daily Life
By Ricci Howell, LCSW, PMH-C
When was the last time that you did something for fun?
Pause for a moment and really think about it — when did you last do something playful, that you engaged in simply for the delight of it? Has it been awhile?
Children are wonderful examples of being present in the moment and prioritizing play, but often as we age we start to lose space for this important pastime in our daily life. You might not be a child anymore, but fun and play are still vital parts of overall wellness and wholehearted living. In fact, researcher Stuart Brown states in his book, Play, that “the opposite of play is not work, the opposite of play is depression.” Cultivating play and rest is also included as one of Brene Brown’s 10 Guideposts for Wholehearted Living.
What Counts As “Play”?
You might find yourself wondering- what counts as play?
Play is time spent without purpose, where you often lose track of time as you lose yourself in what you’re doing.
Play boosts your overall well being and helps you cope with stress.
Play also helps to boost your creativity, empathy, resilience, and happiness.
What does play look like as an adult, particularly if you’ve lost sight of it recently?
The beautiful thing is that the possibilities are endless. A helpful place to start can be remembering what you liked to do for fun as a child. Maybe you loved playing legos and building things or you lost all track of time whenever you were outside in nature. When you pause and connect with your memories in this way you can begin to brainstorm ideas for the present. Another option is to consider what your style of play is- do you prefer to create, explore, compete, or play in a different way?
Making More Time For Play In Your Daily Life
Your time is precious and there is so much you are already trying to do- movement, nutrition, connection, professional and family responsibilities, self care- it can be easy to wonder how to fit in fun and play on a regular basis. One idea is to start small by incorporating a mindset of play. You can also find micro moments of play throughout your day.
Have you heard of the popular cartoon Bluey? Adults and children alike have fallen in love with this show that highlights how play can be incorporated into family life in simple ways. Be aware of falling into the mindset that play and rest are luxuries. Rather than being rewards for working hard, or luxuries only some can indulge in, they are necessities to healthy living.
One of my favorite times to reconnect with play and fun in my life is when the seasons change. As the weather shifts I can evaluate, what does play look like during this time of year for me? Particularly if play involves being outside or moving your body it can shift based on the climate you are in. Use the seasons as a time to check in and consider how you are making space for play in your life.
Be curious and be playful. Consider what sounds like fun. And remember play is not just for children or vacations. Incorporating play into our daily lives, across our lifespan, doesn’t need to be complicated and will result in a myriad of benefits for our overall well being.
What can you try this week to create room for play?
References:
https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-for-adults#how-to-be-more-playful
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/14/smarter-living/adults-play-work-life-balance.html
Brown, B. (2010). Gifts of imperfection, the: Hazelden Information & Educational Services.
