Engaging in play and leisure activities isn’t just for children – it’s an all-ages fun-for-all activity that enhances mental health and well-being. Did we stop playing after we heard “Grow up!” from adults when we were being silly and making too much noise? Play reduces stress, improves mood, boosts creativity, and promote overall psychological wellness. So, let’s play!
Here are some ways to add fun and quality of life with health benefits:
Creative Expression: Engage in activities that allow you to express yourself creatively – look up, look down, look all around! See visual arts and media that you admire? Try it yourself, just for fun – who knows where it will lead? These activities can help you process emotions and relax.
Imagination play: Let your imagination soar by role-playing – murder-mystery dinner game, anyone? No boxed game available? No problem – get kids’ toys and miscellaneous household items, put unrelated words into a hat; see what you get – go! The point IS laughing and having fun! Collaborate with a child to create a story together with no expectations – kids are great at imagining, and laughing!
Spend time together: Take turns choosing the activity and adventures with friends and loved ones – keep an open mind – who know what you’ll learn. Really pay attention to each other – put away the screens and play!
Tell stories, try a new activity, look at the clouds, have a picnic in the forest by a stream. When was the last time you had a screen-free time to laugh and connect? Remember that?
No? Try it. It IS possible!
Explore new hobbies: Try your hand at gardening, stained glass, walking in the forest, creative writing – goofy Haikus or rhymes anyone? Explore a new cuisine or dish, learn to ride a unicycle (wear your helmet, please!), tinker with a musical instrument, just for fun!
Remember that the key is to engage in activities that bring you joy and help you unwind. It sounds like an oxy-moron, but scheduling and taking the time to play routinely contributes to better mental wellness, maintains a healthy work-life balance and improves an overall sense of well-being.
Let us know how it went!
