I can say with confidence that most adults reading this are in need of one thing to make themselves and those around them happier… PLAY!
That’s right, play. While you may think I’m being silly or that the arrival of summer vacation has got me slacking off, the truth is that play is something that is crucial to our overall well-being. Play is a vital part of not only a healthy lifestyle but healthy relationships as well.
So with the kids and teachers finally out of school and the DC summer heat in full swing… I am encouraging you all to check out the post below and then go out and play this weekend. Trust me, it’s exactly what you need this weekend.
{I had a blast last spring giving a workshop on the value of play for kids and adults- if you’re interested in learning more, leave a note in the comments below. Maybe we’ll plan a live chat for later this month to talk more about the research and the ways you can bring more playfulness into your life.}
I’m on my way over to Sport and Health in Gainesville to host our workshop on Play and Fitness… such a fun topic! Playing is so often treated as something frivolous or a treat to be ‘allowed’ after you have worked hard. But play is crucial to the development of our children and our own emotional and physical well-being. I hope to see many of you at the workshop today but in case you can’t make it I wanted to share a great video of Stuart Brown of the Institute for Play talking about the real importance of play. {side note: I love TED Talks- what an awesome resource!} It’s totally worth the 20 minutes of your time… and when you’re done get out there and play this weekend!
Some Key Thoughts on Play:
- Humans are designed to play for a lifetime- play is NOT just for kids
- The opposite of play is not work, it’s usually depression.
- Play lights up the brain- it builds neural pathways that help us with everything from emotional regulation to learning to physical coordination and problem solving.
- Play is a natural way to bring more mindfulness into your life- it’s one of a few activities that encourages us to focus on the moment.