The role of play in adult wellness

You like our content! You can support our efforts to publish important, high-quality content accessible to all by making a donation! And don’t hesitate to visit our shop for your purchases. Namaste!

Welcome to Innovayogameditation.com, your ultimate destination for exploring the profound depths of Yoga, Meditation, Pilates, Wellness, Well-being and more.

Today, we’re diving into a fun, yet often overlooked, aspect of adult wellness: the role of play. Yes, play isn’t just for kids! Whether you’re a corporate leader, a stay-at-home parent, or a retiree, integrating play into your busy life can have significant benefits for your overall wellbeing.

What is the role of play in adult wellness?

Firstly, let’s clarify what we mean by ‘play’. Play refers to any spontaneous or organized activity that brings joy, entertainment and amusement. It could be a game of chess, painting, hiking, dancing, or even competing in a friendly, recreational sports game. Play is the antidote to stress and a sure-fire way to bring joy and vitality into our lives.

The American Journal of Play has found that play can have a myriad of benefits for adults. These include physical, psychological, and social wellness benefits. Let’s break these down:

Physical Benefits

• Aids in weight management: Engaging in a playful physical activity such as Frisbee, cycling or swimming can burn calories, improve strength and flexibility.
• Boosts immune system: According to a study from the National Institute of Health, play can trigger endorphins that stand as mood elevators and natural painkillers, which, in turn, may boost our immune system.

Psychological Benefits

• Reduces stress: Play often involves laughter, which decreases cortisol, the “stress hormone”, and increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
• Improves brain function: Games that challenge the mind, like puzzles or strategy games, keep our brains active and may even prevent cognitive decline.

Social Benefits

• Strengthens relationships: Play can encourage empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. It can foster connections and deepen friendships.
• Improves cooperation and teamwork: Many forms of play involve cooperation and teamwork, building essential social skills.

How can I incorporate play into my life?

It might seem like a daunting task to incorporate play into your already busy schedule. But it really all comes down to creating pockets of time for activities that genuinely make you happy. Here are a few ways to do that:

1. Focus on Fun: Choose activities that you find fun and engaging, not ones that feel like a chore.
2. Schedule play: Just as you would an important meeting or doctor’s appointment – block out time in your calendar for “playtime”.
3. Play with others: Include loved ones, like family and friends, in your play activities. This can enrich the experience and also facilitate bonding.
4. Stay Open to New Experiences: Whether it’s trying out a new sport or checking out improv comedy – be open to novel experiences that could be loads of fun.

In a world that often values ‘busy-ness’ over wellness, it’s paramount for us to remember the importance of joy, relaxation and play. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing“.

So go ahead, dedicate some time to play, to experience joy, to laugh and to live. After all, there’s no age limit on having fun!