One of the best things I learned from my mom, Marvel, is that she always made a point to play. She loved to have fun and laugh with others. (See “10 lessons my mom taught me” and “Marvelisms“). She was lucky enough to have a few of her kids live near her, which gave her the opportunity to play with them, and Marvel had a lot of friends. There is so much joy to be had in life, and the benefits of play are numerous.

What is play?

Play can be defined as a recreational activity for enjoyment rather than a serious or practical purpose.  It allows you to let your guard down and connect better with others.

Play should feel good; it is the opposite of stress and often leads to laughter.  Play also relaxes you.  It puts you in the moment so you do not worry about what others are thinking about you, dwell on the past, or fear the future.

Benefits of Play

Improves brain function

Play chess, do crossword puzzles, play board games, or dance to music.  All ways to keep your mind active. Play stimulates the brain, enhancing functions such as memory, attention, and processing speed.

Boosts creativity

Playfulness encourages open-mindedness and experimentation, which leads to increased creativity and problem-solving skills. If you are painting, coloring, dancing, or playing dress-up with children, you can ignite creativity and stimulate the imagination for your artistic talents.

Improves connection with others

According to an article from HelpGuide, “Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn’t have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships.”

 

Regulates Your Emotions

When you play, it can serve as an emotional outlet. It can be particularly beneficial for managing anger, frustration, or sadness. Work through your emotion as you do something that brings you joy.

Increased Productivity

Taking short breaks for playful activities can recharge the mind and increase productivity. Playfulness can also help prevent burnout and boost motivation.

Help your children or grandchildren

Play is essential for children, so we as adults need to play with them.  Get down on the floor, give them your undivided attention, and let them use their imagination to play.

 

It helps you feel young and energetic

I wrote another post about how to increase your youthful energy.  When we play, we can energize our life and make us feel like a kid again.

Longer Life Expectancy

Some studies suggest that maintaining a playful mindset throughout life may be associated with a longer life expectancy and better overall health outcomes.

 

Why don’t we play?

We all need to develop our playful side.  I know for me, I hesitate to really let loose for fear of being embarrassed or rejected.  I feel self-conscious and concerned about how I look.  Do you feel that way too?  Let’s let that go.

Here are a few more reasons we don’t play.

• Busy lifestyles
• Societal expectations
• Work-related stress
• Digital distractions
• Fear of judgment
• Lack of opportunities
• Negative past experiences
• The belief that play is unproductive
• Burnout and mental health issues
• Adult responsibilities

It’s essential to make time for enjoyable activities and not take life too seriously all the time. Which of the above reasons are you using not to play?

 

How will you play this year?

A couple of ways I have decided to play more is actually to get in the water at our cabin this summer.  Jump off the boat and practice on the paddleboard without fear of falling in!  I also want to play golf and tennis and try to do more sports activities with my husband or friends. My children, husband, and I have a morning Wordle and Crossword competition, which is a great way to start the day with some play.

Other possibilities:

• Walk in nature
• Sledding
• Ice Skating
• Fishing
• Snowball fights
• Pillow fights
• Card games
• Legos
• Act in a play
• Do a silly dance
• Jump on a trampoline
• Play with your pet
• Color
• Watch funny videos
• Enjoy your hobby: cooking, gardening, painting, photography, and music.
• So many ideas; you just have to use your imagination!

 

How did Marvel play?

She laughed a lot!  She told jokes, and even if they were not funny, you still laughed at them.  Marvel never took herself too seriously.  Her motto was to “Go with the Flow,” so she wasn’t too concerned about what others thought.  She loved to bowl, play golf, play bridge, gamble, and go dancing.

Grandchildren were her favorite, and she would literally get on the floor and make a point to play with them.  One of her favorite things to do with her grandchildren was to let them give her a makeover.  She would give them free rein with her makeup.  They loved it.  I wish I had a few pictures of that!

She was a goofball, and I think all of her kids inherited a little of that!

 

Remember, the key to incorporating play into your day is to prioritize activities that bring joy, laughter, and a sense of fun. Be open to exploring new interests and finding playful moments in everyday life. The benefits of play can greatly contribute to your overall well-being and make each day more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

15 Honest Tips on How to Be Happy in Life

What Does Being Happy Really Mean?

100 Marvelous Actions For Living A Happy Life