Give your inner kid some time to shine
Do you still remember how to play?
When was the last time you went outside to play with your friends? If you’re fortunate it might have been yesterday or last weekend – for others it might have been 19 years ago.
Life gets serious. That’s true. Particularly one year into a pandemic that just doesn’t want to go away. Being an adult is stressful. There is just SO MUCH to do – all of the time! Next week is Eastern Weekend and that signals the end of the first quarter on 2021. For many it might be the first time catching your breath since Christmas.
Why not use this time to do something fun? Just because you want to. Play is not just for kids. There are a bunch of reasons why you should never forget how it’s done:
1. Play is a great stress reliever.
When we play or do something we truly enjoy the body is flooded with endorphins, which are a great counterbalance to the stress hormone cortisol many of us are soaked in. Cortisol makes you age faster, from your skin to your organs and all facets of your physiology, so play will keep you physically younger for longer (mentally and physically).
When we play and try an activity for the first time we get used to not being good at something. Many of us are under constant pressure to deliver (often self-imposed). When we play we give ourselves permission to look silly and fail. This is great practice for those times in live when things don’t go according to plan, as it teaches us that most failures in life are often very short lived and are not as serious as we make them out to be.
2. Play brings you closer to others
The endorphins mentioned above play another important role in that they build and strengthen bonds between people that share in these playful activities. Stronger bonds lead to higher levels of trust between individuals, which is great for social support.
Laughing and joking around with someone releases another hormone called oxytocin, which has numerous health-promoting benefits, while lowering stress and strengthening the emotional experience of belonging. Having a sense of humor and being playful also makes you more attractive. If you are single the benefit of this is obvious, but it’s also very helpful to know if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time. It’s possible that your significant other fell in love with your playful side, so rekindling this side of your personality might just be the spark you’ve been looking for!
3. You will have more energy
The combination of physical activity, novelty and lack of performance anxiety will perk up your body and mind. The mere fact that you are doing something new and don’t have to be good at it will be freeing in itself.
4. It will boost your ability to solve problems
Doing something just for the fun of it – with no fear of doing it right or wrong or looking silly – will silence your inner critic. Since play stops you from being analytical and rational, it allows your mind to wander and think in new and novel ways. Thinking in new ways or just taking a break from something that has been on your mind for a while might just be what you need to find the creative solution you’ve been after.
5. Play improves your brain function
Learning forces our brains to builds new neural connections that did not exist before. Doing something for the first time will cause new pathways to form, while repeating the activity will make them grow stronger. When we have more and diverse neural pathways we are better protected from the inevitable cognitive decline caused by aging. Even if you do the activity poorly (which should not be your primary concern) you are building a brain that will function better for longer as you start to age.
6. You will sleep better
The combination of feel good hormones, reduced stress levels and more physical activity will all combine to help you get a better night’s rest. You are just such a better version of yourself when you are well rested and those around you will also reap the benefits.
7. Play might be the best way to get out of your rut.
Taking responsibility for your life means choosing to do the important things over the easy or fun things more often than not. But hopefully the points mentioned above have convinced you that playing and doing something fun is not a frivolous way to spend your time. Look for ways to build play into your day. Don’t just leave it for the two weeks holiday you get to take once a year. If your life feels boring and monotonous, look for ways to be more playful.
If you are out of ideas here are some to can try this weekend:
Splash in the puddles the next time it rains
Have a water balloon fight with your partner or kids
Play with your dog
Try out an escape room in your area
Go ziplining
Play frisbee
Go swimming
Play Pictionary (even if you can’t draw)
Ride a bike
Pick flowers
Go bowling
Play putt-putt (you can even do this in your house or yard)
Fly a kite
Try indoor rock-climbing
Paint with our fingers
Build a model airplane or car
Go to a new restaurant and eat something you’ve never tried before
Sing karaoke
Play a vintage video game
Jump rope
Build a puzzle, try Soduko or other puzzle games
Blow bubbles
Learn to juggle
Ride a skateboard (check that your medical scheme is in order first)
Play cards
Build something with LEGO blocks
Play tennis, golf, backyard cricket, touch rugby or whatever you enjoy doing.
The Takeaway
Think about someone you know who is truly playful. People like that can be such a source of energy and enjoyment for those they share their lives with. Play should never be something we forget to do if we are going to have a significant and meaningful life. Take the pressure off, do something just for the fun of it!
Do you feel stuck?
Our aim is to enable individuals, teams and organisations to reach their full potential by changing mindsets, finding purpose and creating environments that bring out the best in everyone.
Get in touch at hello@purposeworks.co.za for more information on how we can get involved in your environment.
At PurposeWorks we are all about Making You and Your Work Rock. Our focus is on Organisational Health and Design, Employee Centered Culture, Leadership Development and Performance Coaching. For more information on how we can help you create a work environment that rocks, develop a great team, become an inspiring leader or unlock your personal excellence talk to us at info@purposeworks.co.za.
