Play Time

Yes, as a matter of fact I am doing back to back posts on play.

Because play is important.

For some reason, as we grow up we seem to think that playing isn't important, and is also rather childish. However, recently I had to pick a health subject to create a campaign  to promote a healthy behavior. I chose play.

There is research to back up the importance of play. There is even an National Institution of Play. Did you know that? I didn't until a few days ago.

But here are some of the reasons that Play is healthful and something that should be part of our lives.

-It relieves stress
-It fosters creativity
- It enhances problem solving skills
-It is important to our mental and physical health
-It supercharges learning
-It helps us connect to each others
-Play can help with loneliness, isolation, anxiety and depression
-It also makes us happy.

So why do we not make time to play?

For some reason our society (from my observations) has become so obsessed with success, to the point we forget that life isn't just about work, but it is something to be enjoyed and cherished. All the money and monetary success will mean nothing if we are miserable getting there.

Life is such a precious gift, why not enjoy it?

Play doesn't have to be stressful or take a lot of time, in fact you can even find ways to bring it into your work.

It also doesn't mean vegging in front of the couch.

Playing sports is play. Dancing. Board games. Table top games. Taking walks with friends. Attending concerts and performances. Telling riddles and jokes. It can even be as simple as lunch with a friend.

We all need time to unwind and enjoy the world around us. So as you stress, be it for end of semester or just life in general, take time to play today.