The Power of adult playtime.
One of my favorite themes to have seen and catch is - Play. So many of my clients were hurting for play. Us adults can be a real bore. We can get so caught up in the mundane repetitive aspects of life. When I started seeing the lack of play as a pattern I honed in even more. I read this book: Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, and began talking to others about play and the joy it can induce. I began challenging my clients to incorporate play, experiment, have fun, pick up a hobby, or try something new. I also read The Power of Fun: How To Feel Alive Again in a day and couldn’t get enough of this concept.
I wanted to start a whole new support group focusing on adults who wanted to have fun and learn to play again! I didn’t end up doing that but if you are interested let me know!
As adults, we often forget the importance of play in our lives.
Play is not just for kids, it can benefit adults in many ways. Incorporating play into our lives can help us reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve our overall well-being. In this blog, we'll explore four ways to build play into your life.
Rediscover Your Inner Child: When we were children, we didn't need to plan or schedule playtime. Play came naturally to us. As adults, we often forget how to play. Start by tapping into your inner child and exploring the activities that you enjoyed as a child. Did you love playing board games, drawing, or building with blocks? Revisit these activities and see if they still bring you joy.
Find a Playful Friend: Having a playful friend can help you build play into your life. Seek out friends who enjoy playful activities such as hiking, dancing, or playing sports. Spending time with playful friends can help you let loose and have fun without the pressures of adult responsibilities.
Join a Recreational Group: Joining a recreational group can help you incorporate play into your routine. There are many different types of groups that cater to various interests. You could join a dance group, an improv class, or an indoor soccer club. Being a part of a group can also provide social connections and support.
Take Breaks Throughout the Day: Incorporating small moments of play throughout your day can help you stay energized and engaged. Take short breaks during work or household tasks to engage in playful activities, such as playing a quick game, doodling, or stretching. These mini-play breaks can help you feel more relaxed and refreshed.
In conclusion, play is an essential aspect of our lives, and it's important to build it into our routines.
By rediscovering your inner child, finding a playful friend, joining a recreational group, and taking breaks throughout the day, you just might find that your overall mental well-being improves and you feel a bit more optimistic waking up in the morning.
As a therapist in Ogden, Utah, I’d love to hear how you are incorporating play and fun into your life. Reach out today!
