Play is simultaneously a source of relaxation and stimulation for
the brain and body. A sure (and fun) way to develop your imagination,
creativity, problem-solving abilities, and mental health is to play
with your romantic partner, children and grandchildren.
Play is often described as a time when we feel most alive, yet we often take it for granted and may completely forget about it. But play isn't a luxury - it's a necessity. Play is as important to our physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. Play teaches us how to manage and transform our "negative" emotions and experiences. It supercharges learning, helps us relieve stress, and connects us to others and the world around us. Despite the power of play, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us stop playing. We exchange play for work and responsibilities. When we do have some leisure time, we're more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than to engage in creative, brain-stimulating play. By giving ourselves permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, we can continue to reap its benefits throughout life.
The lifelong benefits of play
Sharing joy, laughter, and fun with others promotes bonding and
strengthens a sense of community. We develop empathy, compassion,
trust, and the capacity for intimacy through regular play.
Play fosters creativity, flexibility, and learning
Play is a doorway to learning. Play stimulates our imaginations,
helping us adapt and solve problems. Play arouses curiosity, which
leads to discovery and creativity. The components of play -
discovery, novelty, risk-taking, trial and error, social etiquette,
and other - are the same as the components of learning.
Play is an antidote to loneliness
When we play vigorously, we trigger a mix of endorphins that lift
our spirits and distractions that distance us from pain, fear, and
other burdens. And when we play with others we are reminded that we
are not alone in this world. We can connect to others in delightful
and meaningful ways that banish loneliness.
Play teaches us perseverance
The rewards of learning or mastering a new game teach us that
perseverance is worthwhile. Perseverance is a trait necessary to
healthy adulthood, and it is learned largely through play.
Perseverance and violence are rarely found together.
Play makes us happy
Beyond all these excellent reasons for playing, there is simply
the sheer joy of it. Play is a state of being that is happy and
joyous.
Play and relationships
Play is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships
fresh and exciting. Playing together for the fun of it brings joy,
vitality, and resilience to relationships. Play can also heal
resentments and disagreements. Through regular play, we learn to
trust one another and feel safe. Trust enables us to work together,
open ourselves to intimacy, and try new things. By making a conscious
effort to incorporate more humour and play into your daily
interactions, you can improve the quality relationships as well as
your connections with your family members.
Play helps us develop and improve our social skills
Verbal communication and body language, safety and danger, freedom
and boundaries, cooperation and teamwork: all are discovered and
practiced repeatedly during infant and childhood play. We continue to
refine these skills in adulthood through play and playful
communication.
Play teaches us how to cooperate with others
Play is a powerful catalyst for positive socialization. Through
play, children learn how to "play nicely" with others - to
work together, follow mutually agreed upon rules, and socialize in
groups.
Work or play: It's all in your attitude
Many people are working longer and harder, thinking that this will
solve the problem of an ever-increasing workload. But they are still
falling behind, becoming chronically overwhelmed, and burning out.
Work is where we spend much of our time. That is why it is especially
important for us to play during work. Without some recreation, our
work suffers. Success at work doesn't depend on the amount of time
you work. It depends upon the quality of your work. And the quality
of your work is highly dependent on your well-being.
Taking the time to replenish yourself through play is one of the
best things you can do for your career. When the project you're
working on hits a serious glitch (as often happens), heading out to
the basketball court with your colleagues and have a few laughs does
a lot more than take your mind off the problem. If basketball isn't
your cup of tea, telling stories, or flying kites in the park will
also allow your relationship to the problem to shift and enable you
to approach it from a new perspective. Play:- keeps you functional when under stress
- refreshes your mind and body
- encourages teamwork
- you see problems in new ways
- triggers creativity and innovation
- increases energy and prevents burnout.
Learning how to play again
You don't have to have rules or goals or a board or even anything to play with except each other. But whatever it is that you're playing, there are two things you have to take seriously: being together, and the sheer fun of it all. No game is more important than the experience of being together, being joined, being equal - governed by the same rules, playing for the same purpose. And no purpose is more uniting and freeing than the purpose of being fun with each other.
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