Why Play is Not Just for Children
Raelene Hurry, M.Ed., RCC ~ Surrey Therapist
We know play is the language of children, right? It usually comes naturally to them and they do it because it’s fun and they don’t have to think about it. They don’t know that play helps them build language skills, express themselves, work through internal emotions, build social skills, and foster cognitive development and creativity, all while having fun!
Somewhere along the way, we begin to lose the carefree ability to play. We enter adolescence and become self-conscious, while our interests also naturally change. Our environments may not support or encourage playing as we age; schools become more academic and less playful, parents increase their children’s responsibilities, and societal expectations and ‘norms’ impact our choices. As adults, we also have many demands, expectations, and lengthy to-do lists that often leave us feeling like there is no time to play. This is to our detriment! We need to play!
Play is a natural part of the animal kingdom, it is not just for children. Dr. Stuart Brown’s book, “Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul,” says:
“Whether it is through physical activity, social interaction, competition, adventure, or art, our need to play is hardwired into our brains.”
Why should we play?
The many benefits include:
Reduces stress and releases endorphins that make us feel good. It helps us lighten up and bounce back when things are difficult.
Keeps relationships fun, exciting, and healthy. Playfulness keeps us connected and socially engaged.
Can keep us physically active and, when done regularly, supports our muscles, bones, joints, and keeps our coordination strong.
Promotes present-moment focus and can be a form of mindfulness. When we struggle with so many demands of life, play gives the busy brain a break and is like a reboot for our minds.
Helps to create new neural pathways in the brain, increasing flexibility in how we think, learn, and problem-solve, keeping our minds sharp.
Sparks creativity, new ideas, and passion.
Provides an outlet for emotions and sometimes helps us gain new perspectives.
If you choose to play in a way that fits your personality, play is fun and it feels good!
How Can We Play?
Sometimes, as adults, we forget how to play. Parents who engage in play with their children are blessed to be invited into their children’s playful worlds. Kids remind us how to play. But there are many ways we play as adults that may look the same or different from how children play.
Try some of these ideas if you like to move and enjoy physical activity:
Play a sport, join a team, throw or kick a ball around, shoot hoops, play frisbee
Go to a dance class, try Zumba
Play traditional games like hide and seek or tag with your kids or friends
Have a race in the pool with your friends or kids
Try rock climbing
Do Yoga, Tai Chi, try a new style
Go for a bike ride, take new routes and explore
Go for a hike or a walk in the forest
Swim
If you feel better connecting with others and enjoy social interaction, try:
Joking around with friends
Go to a comedy show or do improv with friends
Play charades or Pictionary with friends
Be goofy, send silly pictures between friends
Play cards, scrabble, and board games
Plan parties, host dinners
If some healthy competition sparks your interest, try:
Join a team
Play a board game or card game
Challenge friends in a game
Challenge yourself; complete a puzzle or a Word search or aim to beat your own time completing a game. Brain games, new games we haven’t played before, and challenging puzzles or games that make us think are all playful ways to help reduce cognitive decline while having fun!
If you love new things and adventure:
Try some of the physical activity ideas, rock climbing, hike, bike
Explore new places
Road Trip: pick a place on a map and drive there just for the adventure
Be a tourist in your own City
Go ZipLining, White Water Rafting, or try a Rope Climbing Adventure
Skateboard
Go mountain biking
Read a suspenseful, adventurous story
Write about an adventurous story, maybe it’s one you’ve lived or imagined
Hunt for things you like to collect (vintage cars, old music records, thrift store shopping, rocks, gems, etc).
If you are handy, creative or enjoy the many forms of art, try these:
Paint, Color, Draw, Doodle
Listen to music. Find new bands, songs, or a new style of music to listen to.
Play an instrument or make music.
Write stories, poems, and journal entries
Get lost in a book, read for pleasure
Act, make a play or a movie
Build things out of clay, wood, metal, mixed media
Carve wood, soap
Make jewelry, cards, albums, flower arrangements, crafts
Sew, knit, crochet, embroider
Fix things, tools, cars, and machinery.
Create!
Remember, play is a natural part of the human experience. It’s sometimes hard to find our way back to a playful place when we struggle with our mental health or the stresses of life. Connect with a counsellor if you need to work through any challenges that may be impacting your ability to play and have a healthy balance in your life.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-importance-of-play-for-adults#how-to-be-more-playful