The importance of play for adults

After writing about the importance of play for children I only thought it fair to do one about grown ups. 

As we get older, there is no reason why play shouldn't be part of our every day lives. Whether its is doing Sudokus by yourself or enjoying a good card game. Having some sort of fun activity can be a great healer in relationships, a great stress reliever or a great opportunity to spend quality time with people.

Somewhere along the road of becoming grown ups, some of us loose the ability to play and we become work obsessed. Money becomes a strong pull and the seriousness on mortgages and bills takes its toll. 

Adult play time is a point where you need to forget about this. For the sake of ones own sanity and for the saving of relationships it is vital to give yourself points time to stop and have a bit of fun. 

Hobbies are great for this. Bike riding, crafting, shopping, board games or reading are all opportunities for play. I was reading that even talking to your dog is a time when you can relax and enjoy someone else's company. It's a time when you can forget your commitments and work stresses and socially benefit yourself and others.

Helpguide.org has some really simple explinations of what play can do.

Play can:

Relieve stress. Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Improve brain function. Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.

Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. Young children often learn best when they are playing—and that principle applies to adults, as well. You’ll learn a new task better when it’s fun and you’re in a relaxed and playful mood. Play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and problem solve.

Improve relationships and your connection to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn’t have to be a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships.

Keep you feeling young and energetic. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Playing can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you feel your best.

Interestingly I found play in a relationship with your romantic partner is something that can heal many a misdomeaner.  We can all admit to tifs with our husbands, wives and partners. A lot of us can admit to full blazing rows with them too. Many of us might not admit to real marriage rocking situations but they do happen. I find that when Rob has really angered me he ends up just saying or doing something silly and it completely wipes it away. Whether it's a playful hug or a silly face we usually sort out differences. Sorry is obviously a good one too!! 

All I know is that, the moments that you can laugh and do things with someone else the more healthy a relationship becomes. Moments of fun bring you closer together and help solidify that bond. 

So get out that monopoly board and a bottle of wine, dust off the trainers and go out for a bike ride. Whatever you do, do it with a playful heart and I am sure smiles will flow!

Post by Emily