The Power of Play: Why Adults Need It for Their Mental Health
Category : Uncategorized
Guest article from fundamentalsofplay.ca
Image by Freepik
When we hear the word “play,” most of us picture children running around a playground or building worlds out of LEGO bricks. But here’s the truth: play isn’t just for kids. Adults need play too—and not just for fun, but for their mental health.
In today’s fast-paced, always-on world, stress and burnout are at an all-time high. Many of us are juggling demanding careers, family responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. Somewhere along the way, play got pushed aside, labeled as unproductive or frivolous. But science—and common sense—tells a different story.
What Is Adult Play, Really?
Play for adults doesn’t necessarily mean hopscotch or action figures. It’s any activity that brings joy, sparks curiosity, and engages you in the moment. Think: dancing in your kitchen, laughing with coworkers during a game, doodling in a notebook, or trying a new improv class. Play can be spontaneous or structured, silly or strategic. The common thread? It takes us out of our heads and into the present.
Why Play Matters for Mental Health
Play is powerful. Here’s how it supports adult mental health:
- Stress Reduction: Play triggers the release of feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. It acts as a natural antidote to stress, anxiety, and even depression.
- Connection & Belonging: Play often involves others. Whether it’s a game night with friends or a team-building activity at work, shared play fosters deeper connection, trust, and a sense of belonging—all crucial to our emotional well-being.
- Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving: When we play, we’re not bound by rules or outcomes. This freedom sparks creative thinking, helping us tackle challenges with fresh eyes.
- Builds Resilience: Engaging in playful activities helps us approach life’s setbacks with more flexibility and a sense of humor. In other words, it helps us bounce back faster.
How to Add More Play into Your Life
Reclaiming play doesn’t mean turning your life upside down. It’s about weaving joyful, playful moments into your daily routine. Here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Schedule Play Dates (for Yourself): Block off time each week for something that brings you joy—whether that’s painting, playing a sport, or trying a silly new hobby.
- Make Work More Playful: Try adding moments of levity into meetings, incorporating icebreaker games, or building space for creative brainstorming. Work doesn’t have to be serious all the time to be effective.
- Say Yes to Spontaneity: Embrace moments of silliness. Jump in a puddle. Tell a joke. Make a weird dance move. These micro-moments add up.
- Reconnect with Childhood Joys: Think back to what you loved doing as a kid. Was it building things? Performing? Exploring nature? Chances are, the adult version of that is still available to you.
The Bottom Line
Play is not a luxury. It’s a vital part of living a mentally healthy, balanced, and connected life. It helps us cope with stress, connect with others, and remember what it feels like to enjoy the moment. As adults, we may not be climbing jungle gyms—but we still need moments of joy, laughter, and creativity.
At FUNdamentals of Play, we specialize in bringing play back into workplaces and teams—because when we play, we grow, connect, and thrive.
So go ahead: laugh, move, create, explore. Your brain—and your heart—will thank you.
Article written by FUNdamentals of Play, a company that helps teams boost mental health, creativity, and connection through immersive team-building workshops and the power of play.
