Anointedtoday.blogspot.com: The Importance of Playfulness

Did you know that a playful spirit opens the door to laughter, learning, and a lighter heart- nurturing both emotional well-being and childlike faith?

Did You Know?

***Intentional***

1. Play at Work

You could remark, "I have a demanding job and don't have time to engage in play while working." Have you considered work can become monotonous and stressful? According to youministries.com when employees have opportunities to play together through team building activities, office fames, or fun competitions, it helps them see each other in a more positive light. They further added that making space for playfulness to coexist alongside serious work demonstrates that employee happiness and wellbeing matter; play should not be confined to childhood, as we all need it throughout our lives, even at work.

I recall one incident at work. I do not remember the details, but I do remember one of the officers telling me, “Betty I have never seen this side of you.” “You need to show this side more often instead of always being so serious.” I did not realize that I was so serious.

2. What Does Play Mean to You

Play can mean different things to different people, because everyone is different and unique. You might ask yourself:

· What activity, when you do it, refreshes and revives you?

· When do you lose track of time and feel most connected to yourself? (if not now, when did you feel this way as a child?

· What did you love to do as a child, what were you passionate about?

· Which activities do you cut from your to-do list or schedule when you are busy or feeling overwhelmed? Play is usually the first thing to go.

· What have you stopped doing or never started because you do not feel like it is productive? Caseyjacque.com talks about this. This is something to think about.

As a child I always loved to roller skate. Each day after school, I would go roller skating.

3. What is the Importance of Play?

Play is important because it boosts your overall well-being and helps you cope with stress. Psychcentral.com talks about this. They further added that possibly instead of swimming laps, you might have a swimming or diving contest with your children. You could try a rock climbing gym rather than weightlifting.

4. Why Don’t You Play?

Have you taken time to think about why you don’t play? Could it be that you feel you have a too busy lifestyle, societal expectations, work-related stress, digital distractions, fear of judgment, lack of opportunities, negative past experiences, a belief that play is unproductive, or burnout and mental health issues. Livingmarvelously.com talks about this. She further added that you can change that by walking in nature, sledding, ice skating, fishing, Legos, playing with your pet, watching funny videos, or photography and music.

I recall I had a Doberman that weighed about 94 pounds. I weighed just 110 pounds then. Her idea to play with me was to hit me in my knee just enough to let me know she could knock me down if she wanted to, but not enough to make me fall. She loved to run or retrieve a ball when I threw it. I appreciated her kindness toward my children.

5. How Playfulness Benefits the Brain

Did you know that engaging in playful activities triggers neurochemical responses in the brain? Biologytinsights.com talks about this. Beyond dopamine, playfulness stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, contributing to well-being and stress reduction. They further added that Oxytocin, often called the “bonding hormone,” is also released, fostering connection, empathy, and trust. Do you recall experiencing this? Possibly you were hurting and after engaging in some type of playful activity you forgot all about your pain.

6. Playfulness Not Just for Kids

Is playfulness an attribute exclusive to children? Did you know playfulness is just as important for adults as it is with kids. I recall as a child wanting to play outside with my friends all day and never wanting to come in. I would have so much fun. The days did not seem to be long enough. I remember as an adult, my ex took our children to the arcade while I sat off to the side. He encouraged me to play along with him. In my mind I thought, “No that is just for the kids.” I played one game and I was hooked. I realized I really like the arcades. I also then recall we decided to buy an Arcade game to play at home. We bought Atari. Now when I told my grandchildren about this their first question to me was. “Granny what is an Atari?” Therefore, I explained. I forgot that it is now pretty much extinct. I had four children, so after finishing homework and playing Atari, it was their bedtime. I did not start playing it until later in the night. My ex would laugh at me saying, “He reached for me in the bed and I was not there but instead up playing Atari. This is the woman who said the games were only for the children, not herself.

This is a classic example showing that games aren't only for children. Somewhere inside of every adult a child still roams around. If you do not already know the games that you like to play you may have to experiment to find out what it is that you like. Everyone is different. The main thing to remember is that you do not want to become all work and no play. You want to have a balanced life.

Source:

Play is Important at any age

Play: The Foundation of Internal Vibrancy (and The Magic Pill)

The Importance of Play for Adults

The Surprising Benefits of Play for Adults

What Is Playfulness? The Science and Benefits for Your Brain

https://biologyinsights.com/what-is-playfulness-the-science-and-benefits-for-your-brain/

Not just for Kids: Why Playfulness Helps Adults Tackle Adversity

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