For many adults, the act of playing is one associated with children. After all, growing up entails more responsibilities and obligations, which leaves little room for time spent on recreational activities. For a busy professional, playing for fun might seem like a time-consuming and counterproductive pursuit. However, scientific research has shown that adults have just as much to gain from play as children do.
What Defines “Play”?
The act of playing involves any voluntary activity for fun, with no specific goals. When playing, you enjoy a pursuit and fully immerse yourself in it. Play is intrinsically motivating, meaning you don’t need any coercion to engage in it.
It’s worth noting that play isn’t only about the nature of a particular activity but the mindset that you possess while doing it. As long as you’re having fun and adopting a playful attitude, any activities could become play.
The Importance of Play for All Ages
Playtime is essential for kids because it helps them develop skills and values. It hones their ability to communicate and collaborate effectively. By playing, children also improve their emotional intelligence and social-cognitive functions.
Similarly, you can improve essential professional skills by incorporating play into your daily routine. Playing also has many benefits for both your physical and mental health, improving your performance at work. To learn more, below are five reasons why you should make room for play in your schedule:
1. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Want to know how to manage work-related anxiety and stress? Playing may be the perfect solution when you’re feeling overwhelmed and exhausted.
According to researchers, play encourages spontaneity, which helps relax the mind. Simple activities like playing board games during lunch breaks or sharing funny jokes with co-workers can help relieve stress.
Physical activities—like playing outdoors or with a pet—are especially effective at reducing stress and anxiety. Movement triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that naturally elevate your mood. Additionally, physical activity lowers hormones that cause stress, such as adrenaline and cortisol.
2. It Promotes Better Physical Health
Remember, your physical health impacts the quality of your work. After all, you cannot bring your A-game when feeling ill or unenergised.
Physical play is a great way to reinvigorate your body and improve overall wellness. Studies show that adults require at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to maintain a healthy body. If you have kids, you can play tag with them after work. You can also take a short and leisurely walk outside during lunch breaks while listening to some upbeat music.
3. It Maintains Essential Cognitive Functions
Like your body, your mind also needs to stay in good shape if you want to perform well at work. Luckily, research shows that playtime can improve essential brain functions.
According to studies, short bouts of play among lab mice trigger the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF promotes brain growth, particularly in the cerebellum and hippocampus. The cerebellum is the part of the brain that controls motor movement, while the hippocampus controls emotions and long-term memory. Hence, regular playtime can improve your motor skills and strengthen your ability to retain information.
4. It Boosts Your Problem-Solving and Creative Skills
Playtime can also cultivate problem-solving skills and increase creativity. If you encounter a complex problem at work, playing can help you find very effective and innovative solutions.
Research shows that it promotes “divergent thinking,” which is the ability to find multiple solutions to one problem. Play allows you to take a step back and reassess a situation so you can approach it with a fresh perspective. Engaging in play also encourages creativity due to its lack of structure and spontaneity. When you play, you temporarily take your mind off a pressing problem, which allows you to think outside the box.
If you want to engage in types of play that promote problem-solving, you can place tactile puzzles on your desk and solve them during your breaks. These include objects like Rubik’s cubes and jigsaw puzzles. You can also keep a sketchbook and pens in various colours nearby for some creative doodling.
5. It Fosters Teamwork
Engaging in play is a great way to foster teamwork among you and your colleagues. Indeed, playing with your co-workers can help establish a sense of camaraderie. Studies show that group play can promote social skills, strengthen emotional intelligence, and build better relationships. It is because it encourages people to interact and work together. Hence, many successful companies adopt play in their culture by offering game rooms, recess breaks, and fun team-building activities.
Boost Your Performance and Well-Being with Play
Playing should be practised by people of all ages. Even the most hard-working professionals need a reprieve from their daily grind. Play can boost your performance at work and improve the overall quality of your life. Bringing playing into your daily routine can strengthen relationships, increase productivity, and keep yourself in tip-top shape while having fun.
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