When you hear the word ‘play’, do you only think of fond memories from your childhood?
Has it been a while since you’ve laughed so passionately that your belly hurt, lost yourself completely in a creative pastime, or gathered for a recreational event with friends?
As a high-powered woman, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasures of play that filled your childhood with joy and wonder. With the demands of adulthood–your career, family responsibilities, and societal pressures–it might feel impossible, or even irresponsible, to make time for recreational activities.
However, rekindling the joy of play is not only possible but immensely beneficial for your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. And, it’s important to keep in mind that play is not merely reserved for the young; it is a fundamental need that rejuvenates your mind, fosters creativity, and strengthens social bonds. So, it’s essential to incorporate play into your routine and to ensure that, even with the busiest of schedules, you find moments to experience the delight of play.
So, what exactly constitutes play? It’s any activity you engage in for pure enjoyment and recreation, rather than for serious or practical purposes. For a modern woman, play can take many forms, ranging from sports and games to artistic pursuits and hobbies. The key is to identify what brings you joy and make time for it, despite the demands of a busy schedule.
You can tap into a wellspring of joy and creativity through the act of play. Whether it’s revisiting childhood activities or discovering new passions, I encourage you to revive the spirit of fun and infuse your life with different types of play. Here are some ways to bring back the sense of playful delight into your adult life.
4 Ways To Play As An Adult
Physical Play
Combine play and fitness by choosing activities that are both fun and physically engaging. Try activities like dancing, rock climbing, or playing a sport. This way, you’re not only getting the benefits of exercise but also enjoying yourself in the process. Engaging in physical play is vital for maintaining health and well-being. It boosts cardiovascular health, increases strength and endurance, and improves coordination. Physical play also releases endorphins, which reduce stress and enhance mood, leading to better mental health. In addition, these activities also provide opportunities for social interaction and teamwork, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Creative Play
Allow yourself to be silly, imaginative, and free. Don’t be afraid to engage in activities you enjoyed as a child, such as drawing, building with LEGO, or playing catch. These activities can reignite the spark of creativity and joy that often gets buried under adult responsibilities. Writing, drawing, crafting, or even storytelling can be fantastic ways to play. Creative play not only provides joy, it also helps you express yourself and explore new ideas. The benefits of creative play are numerous: it can improve cognitive function, enhance problem-solving skills, and foster innovation, which can contribute to professional success and personal satisfaction. Creative play can also be therapeutic, providing a constructive outlet for emotions and offering a means to relax and escape from daily stresses.
Social Play
Social play is incredibly fulfilling. Organize game nights with friends, or join a sports team, social clubs, meetups, or other community events. Engaging in playful activities with others can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories. These activities also build and maintain social connections, which are essential for emotional well-being. Social play helps develop communication skills, promote teamwork, and create a sense of camaraderie. It also offers a break from routine, allowing individuals to unwind and have fun in a social setting. By participating in social play, you expand your social network and enjoy a sense of community and support. Plus, the laughter and camaraderie that come with group play are unparalleled.
Mental Play
Mental play includes puzzles, board games, and learning new skills or subjects. These activities challenge the brain, improving memory, concentration, and cognitive abilities. Keeping the mind sharp is particularly beneficial as we age, helping to prevent cognitive decline. Additionally, mental play offers a sense of accomplishment and can be a highly satisfying way to spend leisure time. Plus, engaging in mental play provides a balanced approach to relaxation and mental stimulation, contributing to overall mental health and well-being.
Rediscovering play can have profound benefits for adults. It reduces stress, enhances creativity, improves problem-solving skills, and boosts overall happiness. Play also fosters stronger social connections and can even improve your physical health by promoting an active lifestyle. By weaving play into the fabric of your everyday life, you achieve a more joyful existence.
Start by setting aside dedicated time each day or week specifically for play, and take steps to ensure that it continues to be a regular part of your schedule. This intentionality helps prioritize joy and relaxation, counteracting the pressures of daily responsibilities. You can also integrate playful elements into your routine tasks, such as turning mundane activities into games or challenges to make them more enjoyable and engaging.
You can revive the pleasure of play and experience the myriad of benefits it offers. Remember, play is not just for children – it’s a vital part of a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life at any age. So go ahead, embrace your inner child, and let the fun begin!
As a Success Without Sacrifice Specialist, I help high-achieving women lead a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life while experiencing even greater professional success. Want to know what this could look like for you? Click here now and use the comment box to request a complimentary Discovery Session. My FREEDOM Formula protocol is designed to align you with your magical journey of flow, joy, ease, and play.
