The Power of Play: How Adults Can Inspire Creativity and Happiness in Children (and Themselves).
Let's jump right into one of our favorite topics and something we all need: play, playfulness, and fun! These might sound like simple ideas, but they're actually a secret sauce to our happiness for young and old. Whether you're a parent or an educator, encouraging play is key to building resilience, sparking creativity, fostering connections, and boosting emotional well-being. Let's explore how the magic of play can transform lives!
The Importance of Play for All
Did you know that children laugh around 300-400 times a day, while adults only laugh about 10-15 times? Isn't that wild? Kids laugh freely when they play without a big reason. Somewhere along the way, as we grow up, we become serious and forget how to play, and when that happens, we miss out on a huge source of joy.
Play isn't just about having fun—it's a powerful tool for solving many of the challenges we face in life. There's so much more to play than just having a good time. Engaging in play and embracing a playful mindset has a wide range of benefits that go beyond the momentary fun:
Reducing stress and lowering cortisol levels: Research shows that play helps reduce cortisol, our body's stress hormone, making us feel more relaxed and balanced.
Boosting mood through increased endorphin production: Play increases endorphins, our body's natural feel-good chemicals, leaving us happier and more energized.
Improving cognitive function and creativity: Whether children learn through building blocks or adults breaking through creative blocks, play enhances cognitive function and sparks innovative thinking.
Strengthening memory: Play stimulates brain activity, which helps improve memory and learning.
Fostering better social relationships: Play teaches important social skills like empathy, communication, and cooperation.
Helping regulate emotions and resolve conflicts: Through play, we learn how to manage emotions; it creates a safe space for both children and adults to practice problem-solving and emotional regulation.
Encouraging problem-solving and innovative thinking: Play is all about trying new things and taking risks without fear of failure. This can help children and adults develop creative problem-solving skills that translate to everyday life.
So, what exactly is play? At its core, play is something we do for fun—voluntarily, imaginatively, and often without any particular goal. Whether kids are drawing, building with blocks, playing tag, or making up stories, they're not just having fun—they're learning, solving problems, and boosting their creativity.
Play often takes a backseat for adults because we focus so much on productivity. But the truth is, play helps us break through creative blocks, reduce stress, and even improve cognitive function. A 2017 study by René Proyer found that adults who engage in playful activities report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Play isn't just a momentary escape—it's about building long-term resilience and well-being.
Playfulness: A Way of Being
While play is something we do, playfulness is a way of being. It's a personality trait that lets us see the world with humour, creativity, and lightness. People who are playful find joy in everyday moments, bring humour to stressful situations, and embrace the unpredictability of life.
According to René Proyer's OLIW model, there are four types of playfulness:
Other-directed (O): People who love using humour to connect with others and diffuse tension.
Lighthearted (L): The ones who see life as a playground, preferring spontaneity over seriousness.
Intellectual (I): These folks enjoy playing with ideas and solving complex problems for fun.
Whimsical (W): The quirky ones who see the world in unique, offbeat ways, often noticing the humorous side of things.
Which one sounds like you? Understanding your type of playfulness can help you create more opportunities for joy and creativity in your daily life.
What's Your Fun Magnet?
Play and playfulness will also lead to fun, that universal feeling of enjoyment, amusement, or pleasure, and it looks different for everyone. Some people love hiking, or going to concerts, or sporting events, while others enjoy reading or playing video games. The key is figuring out your "fun magnets"—the activities, settings, and people that make you smile.
Research shows that when we prioritize fun, we reduce stress and boost our mood. We like incorporating "funterventions" into our lives—intentional moments designed to create fun. Dr. Laurie Santos from The Happiness Lab podcast suggests planning for fun, even though it's spontaneous, to create more joyful experiences. You can even plan these as a family or as a class.
Encouraging Play in Children
Play is how kids explore the world, test boundaries, and develop crucial cognitive and social skills. Unstructured play, without rules or specific outcomes, sparks their imagination and fosters creativity. When kids have the chance to "just play," they tap into the creative thinking they'll need for problem-solving and mental agility later in life.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics shows that play enhances critical thinking, promotes healthy brain development, and helps children develop decision-making skills. Allowing kids to play freely sets them up for long-term success.
Here are a few ways parents and educators can encourage play and creativity in children:
Create Play-Friendly Environments: Provide materials like art supplies, building blocks, or costumes for imaginative play. Spaces that encourage free exploration help kids think outside the box.
Model Playfulness: Let kids see you being playful! Show them it's okay to make mistakes, have fun, and laugh while learning.
Allow for Free Play: Give children unstructured time to decide how they want to play. Whether building forts or running outside, this freedom is essential for fostering creativity.
Encourage Outdoor Play: Time spent outdoors improves mood and stimulates creativity. Running, exploring, or playing ball outdoors boosts physical and mental health.
Incorporate Play into Learning: Gamify education by turning lessons into fun challenges or interactive games. This makes learning enjoyable and engaging for kids.
Bringing Play Back for Adults
Just because we're grown up doesn't mean we should stop playing! Here are a few ways to bring more play and fun into your life as an adult:
Schedule Play: Just like you would schedule meetings, carve out time in your calendar for play. Make it a priority, whether it's a game night, a dance break, or a creative project.
Gamify Your Routine: Turn mundane tasks into games! For example, time yourself while completing chores or reward yourself with something fun after finishing a project.
Engage in Physical Play: Dancing, hiking, or playing sports can bring more playfulness into your day while also boosting your physical health.
Join a Club: Playful social interactions matter, and clubs encourage creative discussions and fun activities.
Play with your children: There is nothing compared to childlike play.
By prioritizing play, playfulness, and fun in our and our children's lives, we can enhance happiness, creativity, and resilience-such an invaluable tool for improving our well-being. Let's make time for play every day! What will you do today?