Play is an internally motivated action or activity that cultivates joy, pleasure and fun. When children play it is often an opportunity for exploration, creativity and learning. Often play is associated with children. The concept of play is typically associated with children. Truthfully play is a healthy part of our development. In positive psychology, play helps to increase levels of joy, selfcare and love across the life course. Today’s blog is about the power of play in the development of a healthy mindset and how to add a little more play into your life.
Tapping into play within our adult lives allows the brain to make connections, harness creativity, release feel good hormones like dopamine and endorphins. It encourages connection and can energize. Physical play (like sport or physical games that involve movement) provide the same feel good hormones as exercise and can improve our mood and physical health.
Tips to Increase Playfulness
- Try something New! Make a small change to your routine
- Allow yourself time to be creative, daydream, and mindfulness
- Surround yourself with playful people
- Focus on the moment, try not to have a goal with play (Just enjoy)
- Laugh as often as possible
- Stop taking yourself so seriously
- Change thought of play from “I have” to “I get” to engage in play
As adults we need to retrain our brains to learn to incorporate play in our daily lives. It can also be helpful in getting through difficult tasks that need to get done. Being able to smile and laugh at ourselves can build coping skills to help us manage through difficulty. Play is about building brain maps that help us develop a positive mindset and harness creativity. This can help us overcome challenge and increase happiness in our lives.
Have fun,
Jen