I used to think that playing was immature. I remember thinking in middle school that we were too grown to even be playing video games. As we all get older, this is what we tell ourselves about play. Much like I did in middle school, we tell ourselves play is immature. We tell ourselves we don’t have time for it. We convince ourselves that playing is just not something adults do. But play is not something we need to lose.
We don’t mature out of the need for play. We can always play and there are so many benefits. Studies have shown that keeping your mind active by doing things like crossword puzzles (which could be considered play), allows you to actually improve your brain health and prolong your life. Being active physically is also good for your body. So much of our adult lives can be sedentary, and play encourages movement.
Here are some ideas for adult play:
Play Video Games
Blow Bubbles
Do Crossword Puzzles
Cook or Bake for Fun
Color, Paint, or Even Doodle
Make up a story
Go Paintballing
Spend Time With Friends
Garden
Swing on Swings
Play With Legos
Knit or Sew Something
Dance
Go on an Adventure; Try Something New
Some of the things on this list may not feel like play, but it all depends on how you approach it. Here are some suggestions for keeping the spirit of childhood play in whichever activity you choose.
Don’t worry about outcomes. You are not playing to produce something. It is about the experience, and the joy you find inside the process.
Be creative. Let your imagination run wild a little bit.
Get messy. Don’t worry about getting your hands dirty. Give yourself the freedom to make a mess.
Allow space for discovery. Be open to learning something new, and to things not going the way you may have planned.
Don’t judge yourself. Whatever activity you’re doing, just do it for the fun of it. Play does not need to be measured with the success of achievement.
Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, and Greed, is an amazing documentary about Ross’s life. It is also about teaching people to tap into their inner artist, being patient with ourselves, and not comparing your process to anyone else’s. There’s some scandal in there too, but it really is a beautiful story about Ross’s life. You can watch Bob Ross: Happy Accidents, Betrayal, and Greed on Netflix.
In the New York Times article, How to Add More Play to Your Grown-Up Life, Even Now, Kristin Wong details the importance and necessity of adult play.
In the Washington Post article Why It’s Good for Grown-ups to Play, Jennifer Wallace discusses the evolution of play and its many benefits.
How do you incorporate play into your life?
How have you seen other adults engage in play?
When did you stop playing? Why did you stop playing?
Did something in this newsletter speak to you? Leave a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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