“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”. – George Bernard Shaw
2 Scoops Of Inspiration Podcast: Click here to listen to our podcast titled, Add Play Into Your Day.
When was the last time you rolled on the floor, acted silly, or laughed so hard your stomach hurt? If it has been too long, put down your adult size seriousness and pick up and adopt a playful spirit. Sing, dance, play, and be merry, it is good for the soul and your health.
Research affirms that play is not just essential for kids - it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well. Playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. So, if you notice that play is missing in your day, consider creating a “play” list for this weekend rather than a “to-do” list. Grab a friend, give yourself permission to unplug, and make time to play, laugh, and have fun. It might be just what the doctor ordered.
21 Ways to add PLAY into your day
Make a list of the top ten things you like to do for fun and integrate them into your schedule.
Make a list of 5 new fun activities you’d like to do and do them.
Do things that make you feel silly. Don’t judge, just enjoy yourself.
Do fun team activities as a family, with friends or co-workers. It’s a good way to bond, improve communication and enjoy each other.
Take inventory of how much you play and make sure you are spending one hour a day doing something fun.
Watch your favorite funny movie and laugh out loud.
Schedule play dates with your friends, family, or significant other.
Try an outside-the-box activity such as ice skating, yoga, pottery or cooking class, rollerblading, zip-lining, or Zumba class. Go to a comedy club or amusement park, play on the jungle gyms with your kids, roll on the floor with your animals, have a pillow or tickle fight, play hide and seek, charades or go on a treasure hunt.
Spend time with people who have playful spirits, enjoy life, and laugh often.
If you have children, schedule playtime with them. Don’t just watch—get involved.
Lighten up and look for the humor in things.
Turn off your technology and go to the park and play outside.
Create a play drawer and put fun things in it like board games, coloring books, and puzzles.
Observe children, they will show you the art of playing.
Take something to work that you can do for play such as a small putting green, Rubik’s cube, or small Nerf basketball and goal.
Have more fun at work by taking time to engage with people through humor.
Make someone laugh; it will make you both feel good.
Smile at someone; it will lift your spirits and theirs.
Take laugh inventory. The more you laugh, the better you will feel.
Participate in a problem-solving session by brainstorming where all ideas are considered.
Dance the gig, sing out loud in your shower, let your hair down and just have fun.
Pause to Ponder: What do you like to do to play? Consider one playful thing you can do this week, and schedule it.
Train For Life Tip
There is always more work to do so don’t wait until it’s all done to play. If you do, you may be delaying your happiness and depriving yourself of a very important dimension of your life. Take the hall pass, unplug, and have fun. It is good medicine for the mind, body, and soul.
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