Make Time for Play
Article by Damariz Winborne, originally published on LinkedIn.
When was the last time you experienced moments of bliss? When last did you play full out? If you've fallen for the myth that “play is for children” … I got news for you. You are choking off your ability to reach greater heights in countless ways. Scientific studies and research have shown that play time is not just important for children; play has many benefits for adults too.
When you think of “play time” …what comes to mind? Consider these “adulty approaches” to play:
Physical Activity
Sports and exercises strengthen your heart and boost your lung power. And hours after sweating it out, you still are reaping the benefits of a 20+ minute workout. You’ve reduced your stress hormones and triggered release of endorphins … the good-feeling hormones. Simply stated, you feel good, relaxed; and, heck, you might find yourself sleeping more soundly.
Mental Activity
A good hearty laugh is powerful medicine for the body. When you laugh, you relieve physical tension and stress. Laughter boosts the immune system and increases infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. It also triggers the release of endorphins – those good-feeling hormones. Finally, sharing a hearty laugh with others has a way of reinforcing the bond of trust and connection.
Play At Work
Another form of mental activity. Work can be a form of play. For some, the premise is considered an oxymoron. Yet, playfulness at work is often the spark of creativity that spawn changes which move the needle. One of my favorite playful activity at work is to find a way to jazz up a mundane task – how can I make it more efficient? Or automate the process? In those moments, I engage the creative side of my brain and, in the process, give my mental acuity a good workout – problem solving is a great way to promote and maintain cognitive health.
Social Activity
Social engagement with others facilitates happiness, wards off depression and often helps you to remember that you matter in this world to those who love you.
Leisure Time Activity
What activity do you like to do for the sheer fun of it? You know, those activities that you really love which often consume a lot of your time if you’re not careful? When you get so immersed in an activity that you lose all sense of time; some people describe that experience as “being in the zone” or “in the flow.” What’s amazing about this mental state is that your energy reserve doesn’t get depleted; in fact, you might find yourself more energized when you exit “the zone.”
“Who has time for play?!?!”
You might be thinking... I don't have time to play! After all, you’ve got a lot on your plate right now. When life settles down, maybe, but no time for play … not now. Well, there is scientific prove that all work and no play really does impact your health; and that can stint your livelihood / life. Think “quality” play time not “quantity of time” for play. Choose one area of play… physical, mental or social engagement … and decide on one thing you can do that would be a form of play. Then do it!
Not convinced? Or unsure where to start? Read this article for some ideas.
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