Fun and games

Kick up your heels

TAKING TIME OUT FOR CAREFREE FUN AND GAMES ISN’T JUST FOR KIDS. IT SEEMS PLAYFULNESS BENEFITS PEOPLE OF ALL AGES

WORDS SHARON HUNT

In childhood, playful behaviour such as hopping on a swing or creating a make-believe world comes effortlessly — and is also intrinsic to the way children learn and explore the world around them.

However, this natural tendency for playfulness wanes in adulthood. But should it?

A study in 2020 by Germany’s Martin Luther University of Halle-Wittenberg found numerous positive mental and emotional benefits simply by being more playful.

Creating Change Psychology clinical psychologist Bianca Heng notes study participants reported improved general wellbeing after only a week of increased attention to playful behaviour and that these positive benefits continued to be felt two weeks later.

Why do we stop?

Development and emotional aspects are among the reasons adults often lose touch with their playful side.

“For some, it begins in high school where fear of being judged overrides spontaneity,” Dr Heng explains. “For others, ‘adulting’ feels synonymous with needing to be responsible and serious. Therefore, day-to-day stresses and responsibilities make it harder to be playful in the present moment.

“Alternatively, others find that as their logical brain matures they lose touch with the child-like joy of their emotional brain, especially if they do not have a partner, friends or children to bring out the playfulness within them.”

What are the benefits?

There are numerous “positive correlations between playfulness and overall wellbeing”, according to human connection scientist Ali Walker.

“The far-reaching positive mental outcomes of adult playfulness include improved coping mechanisms and work performance, innovative behaviour, creativity and intrinsic motivation,” Dr Walker says.

“Playfulness also brings fun and joy into our lives,” Dr Heng adds. “This improves mood, increases social connection and allows individuals to be more open to new opportunities.”

Dr Heng notes even personal relationships can potentially benefit from more playful interactions by forging closer bonds and shared moments of joy.

One of the main reasons playfulness elicits such a strong psychological response is because it draws our focus into the present moment, which also has a knock-on effect on our brain’s functionality.

“Playfulness often involves spontaneity and imagination, both of which are components of creativity,” Dr Heng says.

“It requires nurturing our emotional expression, which fosters an ability to ‘let go’ and feel free.”

Have fun

A 2017 study by Martin Luther University HalleWittenberg created a structural model to categorise adult playfulness. Ali Walker says most adults will favour one or more of the four categories below — and may not relate to others at all.

1Other-�directed Unexpected actions or using playful behaviour to dissolve tension

2Light-hearted Easy-going approach to certain aspects of life

3Intellectual Taking enjoyment in ideas or challenges

4Whimsical An amusing observation about everyday situations

How can we play more?

If you have lost touch with your playful side, there are many different ways to try to restimulate this mindset.

To begin with, Dr Heng and Dr Walker recommend making a conscious effort to introduce daily playful acts.

“Give yourself permission to do whatever you want,” Dr Walker says. “Be spontaneous, and set aside your inhibitions. Perhaps even try something fun that you haven’t done since you were a kid.”

If you have children or grandchildren, both experts agree being present, engaged and following a youngster’s lead is a fast-track to a more playful mindset.

For a more structured approach, Dr Heng suggests setting a simple daily playfulness goal such as hosting a board game night, doing a puzzle, dancing to your favourite song or skipping with a jump rope.

Whatever playfulness route you take, the key is to ignore the nagging feeling that you’re too old to be doing it.

“Catch yourself when you start to criticise your spontaneous or playful behaviour and bring yourself back to the present moment,” Dr Heng says.

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