The desire to play is biologically wired into us. It’s a universal human trait that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. However, as we step into adulthood, we push aside the value it offers in favor of our never-ending quest for productivity. We underestimate the wellness benefits and leave the fun for children or retirees indulging in bridge or Chinese checkers.
BUT – engaging in play (some kind of non-productive fun)- -- is *surprise, surprise* ACTUALLY really good for you especially in adulthood when our stress levels and responsibilities are at their peak.
It's time to debunk the notion that play is childish or for folks who have nothing else to do….It’s shocking how many wellness benefits it offers throughout our adult life. Engaging in play is a key ingredient in the secret sauce to health, longevity, and overall mood. It can even help with greater rates of pregnancy in IFV – which is a total shocker (but also not!).
In this article, we will unveil the most surprising, and SCIENCE backed wellness benefits of play -- to ensure that you don’t overlook this seemingly innocent thing that we have allowed to fall to the wayside in our adult life.
Play should be part of our daily routine – perhaps even more so than other responsibilities – simply because the benefits are so dramatically telling!
Lesser Pain & Higher Pregnancy Outcomes in IVF
Ok soo, ‘Medical Clowning’ is a legitimate and effective technique.
I learned the lingo recently and tbh, I’m surprised at the formality of the term but also sort of wonder why we don’t use the technique more.
It makes total sense. Medical clowning is when practitioners use humor and play to alleviate pain and anxiety in medical settings.
A study published in PubMed discovered that women who experienced medical clowning during their IVF treatments reported reduced pain levels and higher success rates in IVF. The healing power of laughter and play is truly astounding.
It might sound unconventional, but levity in medical settings has proven to have remarkable results to alleviate pain.
Gives Us Clues to Our Purpose
Play also serves to open a window into your soul. It often reveals what you're naturally drawn to and what you lose yourself in. These are valuable clues to your life's purpose.
The first time I poured candles, I made them as a bridesmaids’ gifts for my sisters. They loved them and it encouraged me to learn more.
I soon found passion in the crafting, testing and the ideating PROCESS and learned the in’s and out’s. It wasn't just about creating beautiful candles; the entire experience of pouring to lighting became a meditative ritual that enriched my daily life. It's a testament to how play can lead us to our life's purpose, one playful step at a time.
Play Supports Emotional Regulation & Resilience
Maybe your rec soccer league really isn’t a waste of your Wednesday night after all…
While play is commonly used in children’s therapy to build emotional regulation skills, it ALSO supports our ability to regulate emotions in adulthood.
A recent study found that play was a predictor of resilience which is caused by a chain reaction of heightened emotional intelligence and positive emotions that come out of a game or playful activity. They found that this was especially meaningful as it related to sports and physical activities.
Better Sex & Intimacy
The queen of sexuality and relationship psychology, Ester Perel, says it herself: “Just like sex, playing as adults is about pleasure, connection, creativity, fantasy—all the juicy parts of life we savor.”
There is a reason we call it “foreplay” after all!
Engaging in play before, during and after sex is such a wonderful way to bring fresh energy to your intimate connection with your partner.
To make play in relationships even more accessible, Ester has introduced a card game for adults that fosters intimacy and storytelling. It's a brilliant way to reintroduce levity into your relationships without awkwardness or feeling childish.
Play can Improve Your Memory & Cognitive Ability
Research has shown that memory games and playful activities can slow down the onset of Alzheimer's and dementia. Engaging in cognitively fun challenges keeps the neural networks alive and well. It's a powerful reminder that play is not just child's play; it's an investment in a healthier and longer life.
If you're still not convinced about the importance of play in adulthood, here are some more common but equally valuable benefits:
- Play Reduces Cortisol and Stress: Play often leads to more laughter, which, in turn, releases endorphins, reducing stress and cortisol levels (if you don’t know how to play, go to a comedy show or watch a stand up bit!)
- Enhances Connection with Others - Play fosters deeper connections with yourself and therefore your community, including family and friends. It’s simply put, just good for you.
The concept of play is so innately a part of childhood, but it's much more than that. It’s a vital part of being alive, no matter your age. So, don’t take yourself too seriously and find activities that help you lose track of time and space.
Wait out your cries of “IM BORED” and engage in play instead. It will be hard because we are so averse to idleness but down time is what often leads to the best creativity and ideas.
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