How To Incorporate More Play Into Your Grown-up Life (And Why It’s Important)
By: Beth RushManaging Editor at Body+Mind
As an adult, you often find yourself caught up in the daily grind of responsibilities, from work to family obligations. Yet, when you get time to relax, you most likely sit in front of the TV or computer like most adults do. However, this way of zoning out can leave you feeling more drained, disconnected and stressed. That’s why it’s important to incorporate more play into your grown-up life. You might think play is only for kids, but it’s vital to your well-being.
Incorporating more play into adulthood changes how you approach life’s challenges and rediscover the simple pleasures often lost in the hustle and bustle of adult life.
Why Play Is Important in Adulthood
Play is important in adulthood because it provides you with the following benefits.
Reduces Stress
Playtime offers a much-needed break from your daily routine. Engaging in fun activities can release endorphins, the feel-good chemicals that help elevate mood. When you immerse yourself in activities you enjoy, your mind breaks from life’s stressors. Whether it’s exploring a new hobby or simply goofing around with friends, play enables you to relax and recharge.
Improves Cognitive Function
Playful activities can involve games or active sports. Either type of play challenges your brain and prevents memory issues. In fact, studies show that regular physical activity improves memory and brain functions, especially in areas vulnerable to dementia.¹ This is because each activity requires brain power and strategic thinking, keeping your mind sharp and agile.
Boosts Creativity
When you engage in fun exercises, your mind can wander to experiment and take risks. With a more relaxed and open mindset, you enable creative ideas to flow more easily. Boosting your ability to think outside the box helps you renew your perspective and find informal solutions to stressful situations.
Improves Relationships and Social Connections
Play can be a powerful antidote to the loneliness many adults feel. According to a recent survey, 36% of respondents cited feeling seriously lonely.² By incorporating more play into adulthood, you get the opportunity to bond with others and create lasting friendships.
Increase Energy and Vitality
Another benefit to engaging in play is it can make you feel young again, especially when it takes place outdoors. Whether it’s hiking or enjoying a game in the park, outdoor time infuses you with vitality that sedentary activities can’t match. Running around outside also increases your immunity. Being outdoors allows you to breathe in phytoncides — a natural compound that plants emit — which can boost your resistance to illnesses.³
How To Incorporate More Play Into Adult Life
You can build regular play into your adult life and enjoy it more by trying the following tactics.
1. Find Activities You Enjoy
One of the best ways to incorporate more play in adulthood is by finding activities that bring you joy. Exploring new hobbies, revisiting childhood favorites, and trying something completely new can reignite your playful side. For instance, traveling is a fantastic way to invite more fun into your life. It allows you to experience new cultures, landscapes and adventures, adding excitement to each trip.
However, it’s essential to be mindful of jet lag when traveling. Studies show that approximately 75% of people have felt worse flying east than west. If you’re traveling from the U.S. to Western countries, be sure to fight jet lag to fully enjoy your playful adventures. Incorporating more exercise and exposure to sunlight while traveling can adjust your body clock more quickly, keeping you active and energized.
2. Schedule Regular Playtime
Just as you would set aside time for work, it’s important to prioritize playtime in your weekly routine. This could be anything from setting up a weekly game night to joining a sports league. By scheduling playtime, you ensure it becomes a consistent and valued part of your life. As such, you can balance the demands of adulthood with moments of joy and relaxation.
If your playtime involves physical activity, staying hydrated is crucial to maintaining energy and overall well-being. Being physically active can lead to a loss of electrolytes, which are essential for hydration and muscle function.
3. Make Play Part of Your Daily Routine
Play can also be a small part of your day and is easy to integrate into your routine. It could be anything from playing with a pet to taking a few minutes to doodle or indulging in a playful moment with your family.
Consider setting specific times throughout the day for fun. For instance, take short breaks during work to stretch and move around or end your day with an activity that helps you unwind. It’s also helpful to create opportunities for spontaneity and joy. Each day you wake up, think about what you want to do that day and stick to it.
4. Avoid Overthinking It
Implementing activities into your schedule shouldn’t add more stress to your life. Often, adults feel they need to plan and organize every detail of their leisure time, which detracts from the joy that play is meant to provide.
Instead, embrace the idea that it doesn’t have to be perfect or meticulously planned. Allow yourself to go with the flow. This could be an impromptu dance party in your living room or a sudden decision to go on a hike. The key is to let go of expectations and find freedom in the activities you enjoy.
5. Build a Mindset for It
Look at play as more than a frivolous activity but a vital part of your life. One way to cultivate this mindset is through journaling. Writing your thoughts on paper gives you time to reflect on your experiences, enabling you to identify and prioritize activities you enjoy.⁴
Use your journal to set goals for incorporating more of it into your routine. For instance, you could set a goal to try a new hobby each month or dedicate a certain amount of time to it each week. As you achieve them, document your experiences and reflect on how they make you feel. This process can reinforce the importance of play, making it a deliberate and valued part of your life.
Building More Time for Play in Adulthood
Incorporating more play into adulthood provides numerous advantages that greatly enhance your life. However, it’s all about finding the activities you love to receive them.
Chewables To Support Adult Fun
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SOURCES:
1. Move Your Body, Boost Your Brain: The Positive Impact of Physical Activity on Cognition across All Age Groups
https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/11/6/1765
2. The Importance of Play in Adulthood
https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/play-in-adulthood/#:~:text=Play%20brings%20joy%20to%20daily,interests%20to%20exercise%20and%20sports
3. Top 9 Benefits of Playing Outside With Your Kids
https://bodymind.com/top-9-benefits-of-playing-outside-with-your-kids/
4. Declutter Your Mind: 7 Advantages of Journaling
https://bodymind.com/advantages-of-journaling/
