It’s a no-brainer that play is an important part of childhood.  As children, play allows us to express our creativity, try on different roles, and develop important social-emotional skills that help us “play well” with others.  However, play for adults can be an afterthought and something we do not actively include in our demanding schedules.  While children always seem ready to play, it can be a challenge for us adults to switch gears or to temporarily close out those running mental tabs from the many responsibilities and roles that take up so much of our thoughts and energy.  Though play may seem a less important area to expend the limited amount of energy we adults have, research indicates that adult play has important benefits for our overall health and well-being.  Play improves our creativity, helps us cope with stress, and encourages us to lead more active and engaged lives.

Research indicates that playful adults engage more frequently in activities they enjoy.  Increased playfulness can boost energy, hopefulness, and the enjoyment taken out of day-to-day experiences. Not to mention, adults who play are more likely to approach difficult situations with a sense of humor, use coping skills effectively, and generate more creative solutions.  Playful adults also tend to lead more physically active lives, engaging in exercise that feels more like play, and as a result enjoy improved health.

As a mom of two young children, the first thoughts that come to mind regarding play involve tickle fights, peek-a-boo, playing pretend, and expenditures of boundless energy that last until those little eyes close for the night. What does play look like for adults you (and I) might wonder?  Well, to my surprise, research says anything you do that brings you happiness or excitement counts as play.  Such exciting news!  “Play” could be going for a walk, crocheting (or attempting to), playing a video game, or meeting a friend for coffee.  Play can be anything that is engaging and brings feelings of enjoyment, which can look different for all of us.  If the thought of running for enjoyment seems offensive or if reading a book just leads to you nodding off, then that is not what “play” looks like for you—and that’s fine

The Rules of Play:  You may be someone who has a strong sense of what activities bring you joy. That’s awesome!  Go with what you know and intentionally schedule in time for the things that bring YOU joy.  If like myself, life has gotten so busy that you panic a little when people ask you about what hobbies you are into in your “free time” (ha!), I would suggest trying to remember activities that you have been so absorbed by that you lost track of time and that left you feeling content/satisfied. If you’re still a little lost, try something new and see how you feel.  It doesn’t matter how “good” you might be at something, the goal is to enjoy yourself, and to consciously carve out regular time in your schedule for whatever energizes you.

Tag, you’re it!

Kimberly Sitter, Ph.D.
Licensed Psychologist