Play Hard, Live Well: The benefits of play for adults

From playing Sudoku to kicking butt in chess, puzzle-like activities can challenge your brain and stimulate our brains, warding off age-related cognitive problems while keeping your memory sharp [3].

Additionally, play can spark imagination and creative thinking, helping to foster mental development and problem-solving skills.

Pure, unadulterated play also releases endorphins, or “feel good” chemicals that reduce stress, relieve stress, and improve your mood and well-being. Play helps adults build coping skills for managing life's challenges. When you are feeling stressed, engaging in play can provide a fun way to reduce tension and promote a relaxed environment. Additionally, play may help reduce anxiety in adults. Through the release of endorphins, play may also temporarily alleviate pain [4].

Whether spending the day outside gardening or tackling a new hike with friends, play can also help us get up and move, keeping us active and providing important benefits for our health. Physical activity, as a form of play, is essential for maintaining both mental and physical health. Engaging in play not only boosts energy but also supports overall physical well-being.

Adults who were considered more playful and energetic, and who were actively engaged in play, also possessed better coping mechanisms. Engaging in playful activities is important for building resilience, as it encourages exploration and emotional healing. Playful adults tend to have better coping mechanisms and greater resilience. If you’re dealing with stress, finding more moments of play could provide relief [5].

George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Shaw may have been onto something. We have seen how play can reduce stress, increase happiness, improve social satisfaction, and boost activity levels, which have all been shown to support a longer, healthier life [6, 7, 8, 9].

Incorporating play into your job can make you more productive and increase your job satisfaction. Employees who lack recreation and play can suffer from decreased well-being and lower work quality. Scheduling playtime throughout the week is important for maintaining good health and balance. Activities like yoga are great examples of playful practices that support well-being.

Studies have also shown that happiness and life satisfaction were associated with reduced inflammation, better immune functioning, lower blood sugar, and even longer telomeres (caps at the end of DNA strands associated with cellular aging) [10].

Incorporating more play into your busy adult routine might seem enticing, but how can you actually achieve it? Here are some practical tips for incorporating play into your daily routines. For example, you might turn your morning commute into a playful experience by listening to a fun podcast or playing a word game. Remember, play is not defined by specific actions or words, but by your attitude and engagement in the moment. Take the opportunity to create your own playful experiences, whether that's starting a new hobby or organizing a game night with friends. Engaging in playful activities can lead to greater well-being, creativity, and stronger relationships. Simple ways to incorporate more playfulness into your life include:

Incorporating more play into your busy adult routine might seem enticing, but how can you Identify activities or interests that ignite your curiosity—just as kids naturally engage in play to explore the world around them. Not sure what you like to do? Channel your inner child and think back to what you loved to do as a kid. Did you climb trees? Sign up for a rock-climbing gym. Loved coloring? Take a painting class. Remember, child play is not only essential for development but can also inspire meaningful adult passion projects by reconnecting you with creativity and joy.

Set aside periods of free time, even just 5-15 minutes a day, where you can explore hobbies, daydream, or engage in spontaneous activities like an impromptu dance party in your living room without a set agenda. Setting aside this time helps you enter a play state, where you feel enjoyment, engagement, and a sense of freedom. Try to schedule playful activities several times a week to make play a regular part of your routine. Even mundane tasks, like cleaning or yard work, can become opportunities to bring playfulness into everyday life.

Organize regular social gatherings or game nights with friends and family, including organizing games to foster connection and engagement. Participating in enjoyable activities during these gatherings can significantly enhance well-being and life satisfaction. It’s the perfect way to boost social satisfaction while also enjoying some much-needed playtime. For example, putting away clothes or toys together can be turned into a playful group activity, making everyday tasks more fun and interactive.

Engage in physical activities that bring joy, whether it’s dancing, playing a sport, biking through nature, or even throwing a ball or frisbee as a playful action. If physical activities are done out of pure enjoyment and not to lose weight or get fit, then it’s considered play.

Try creative forms of movement or play, such as improvisational dance or inventing new games, to keep things fresh and exciting. Staying active in playful pursuits not only boosts your physical health but also enhances your overall well-being. Consider your unique play personality—whether you enjoy storytelling, movement, or games—to help you find the most enjoyable and engaging activities.

Embrace your inner child, unlocking moments of play that fuel increased activity, deeper connections, and a vibrant spirit of curiosity. Play your way to a healthier, longer life.