Prioritizing imagination and connection as adults offers important health benefits.
Play is a natural part of childhood. There is plenty of free time for make-believe, climbing trees, and building blanket forts in our bedrooms. Summers seem endless, full of bike rides, beach days, and outdoor games with friends. But as we enter adolescence and then adulthood, the amount of time we devote to engaging in activities just for the fun of it starts to dwindle.
Most of us live in cultures that view productivity and busyness as markers of success, and our jobs, financial pressures, and social commitments seem to demand all our time–to the detriment of our wellbeing. It turns out play is just as important for adults as it is for kids, contributing to various facets of our health. Below, we dive into the benefits of cultivating play in your life, how to carve out the time for it, and what play looks like for you.
Having fun is good for you—science says so
Let’s look at the science behind why play is essential for our mental and physical health. A 2011 study found a correlation between self-reported playfulness in adults–including measures such as spontaneity and imagination – with higher life satisfaction. That’s just one study in a body of research that points to how incorporating play into our lives leads to increased overall wellbeing and happiness.
Playfulness helps to reduce stress, increases cognitive health and problem-solving abilities, and can also contribute to feeling more energized and youthful. Conversely, if we don’t make time for play, it can lead to feelings of depression, disconnectedness, and burnout, according to a report by the National Institute for Play (NIFP).
Wait, I forgot how to play
So, what do we mean by play? Most experts agree that play is less about the type of activity than it is about how we engage with the world, and adopting an attitude of curiosity, openness, and creativity. That said, organizations such as NIFP have identified key types of play that adults can integrate into their day-to-day.
Physical play such as team sports, dance, or recreational activities like rock climbing and kayaking not only keep us in good physical shape but regulate our nervous system, reduce stress, and build social connection. If you’re practicing these things in nature, that only compounds the benefits, as time outside has repeatedly been shown to boost our health. But that’s just one type of play.
Creative play like making, designing, or performing–think painting, writing, or woodworking – can trigger a flow state, where you become fully absorbed in the moment, a rarity in our attention economy. This has been linked to enhanced cognitive ability, as well as better emotional resilience and processing.
Engaging in pastimes such as travel, hiking in new environments, or researching ideas all fall under the category of exploratory play, which fosters wonder, awe, and adaptability.
Find your play personality (because we love a quiz)
Looking at the above forms of play, you might recognize activities you already enjoy. If you’re looking for new avenues to explore, this play-style quiz developed by Dr. Stuart Brown, a lead researcher on the science of play, might stir some ideas.
Most often, we’re already in touch with the types of play that resonate with us and it’s simply a matter of making more time for the activities that spark joy. This comes down to prioritizing play for our health in the same way we would commit to exercise or eating whole foods. That could mean putting it on your calendar or leaving an afternoon free for spontaneity. Whatever your approach, bring a sense of ease and openness to your play date. Having fun is the goal.