How often do you play? How often do you let your inner child out to explore, to wonder, to imagine? Did you know that play plays a critical role in your peace of mind?
It can seem challenging as an adult to find play time, but it is important to do so. I know, you’ve got bills, chores, and so much work to do, plus there’s that TV show you just don’t want to miss because you’ve been waiting to find out what happens to your favorite character, then you need some sleep because you’ve been overloaded with everything, and finally…
No. Stop. Go outside and roll around in the grass (or the snow). Draw a picture. Plunk out a semblance of a tune on a piano. Think up an imaginary scene and then get out your toy cars or stuffed animals and act it out. Run and jump and swing and all the stuff you used to do.
We all know that play is relaxing and de-stressing. But it’s much more than that. Play is where your mind tests the world to expand your comfort zone. Play is where you learn to overcome fears, where you can really find out ‘what if’ to grow your experience level in new directions, to discover more things you can do. Play is where you find new things that you enjoy so that you aren’t always stuck in a routine. Play makes you more creative, more confident, and more, well, fun.
Find a game to play, either with your friends or by yourself. Let the mind go, and just play.
In the news
- Now where did I put that wine bottle? Drink Away Dementia?
- Note that they say half of this is out of your control but don’t emphasize that the other half can be learned: Can’t Control Junk Food Cravings? Blame the Brain
- And we can all get high together! Lithium in water ‘curbs suicide’
Quote for the week
We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing. – George Bernard Shaw
Healthy thoughts,
Jeff
