It’s Important To Play, Here’s Why

In this BIT: It’s important to play! Let’s break down the benefits of play, creative ideas for teens, and how play affects our inner child.

The saying “Work hard, play hard,” has more value than you may think.  Spending time “playing”, which means doing something we enjoy and love, has shown to have many positive effects.  As we get older, play may start to look different than when we were children, but it takes on an important role in our life.

When we spend time playing, our brain starts to relax, and our stress levels begin to lower. Endorphins (feel good hormones) are triggered, uplifting our mood, and can even temporarily relieve pain.  Studies have shown that when little kids play they also learn better.  This is also relevant for teens and adults! When we feel happier, we understand things better. By playing, we also stimulate our imagination, which helps us become better at solving problems. Let’s dive into the benefits of play.

What can you do to play as an adult or teenager? Some creative ideas come from thinking about the things you enjoy doing and doing more of those, or thinking about what you enjoyed when you were younger.  Did you enjoy biking?  Take up biking.  If you liked playing hockey, join a league.  If you enjoyed cooking, create dinner for your family with a new recipe.  Below are a few more ideas.

• If you have a beach near you, go with friends or family, take a frisbee and throw it around.
• Plan a dress up Halloween party! Make a new costume from scratch, or organize a decoration theme for the party.
• Play your favorite card game, or charades with your family or friends.
• Color, paint, or attend a pottery studio.
• Play a fun word game like Wordle.
• Do a DIY project. 
• Recreate a makeup look. 
• Create a scrapbook.

Although play can benefit you personally, it can also benefit your relationships with other people. By playing with others, you can heal disagreements, anger, and resentment towards other people. This is due to the fact that play creates trust, allowing us to try new things and bond with others.  Additionally, play helps with developing the skills of cooperation. 

Here is an easy way to find a new way to play determined by your “play personality,” by Dr. Stuart Brown.

• The Collector: Do you like collections of things such as lip products, books, certain decor, or cards? As a way to play, work on expanding your collection.
• The Competitor: Are you really competitive in sports, gym, academics, or games? Try out a new type of game!  Sign up for a recreational volleyball team or have a competition with a friend on who can finish a book faster.
• The Joker: If you love to make your friends and loved ones laugh, try out theatre or participate in the school talent show by having a comedy routine.
• The Director: Do you tend to plan all of the hang-outs with your friends and lead the projects in your class? Maybe try participating in the school play by being a director.
• The Storyteller: Are you constantly reading and getting lost in books? Try writing a short story that’s two or three pages long, or maybe end each day with a journal entry about the day’s events.
• The Creator: Do you enjoy hands-on activities?  Try going to an art class, or a handyman class to try new skills. Woodworking, sewing, interior decorating, and fixing machines are other fun things you could try.
• The Explorer: Do you dream of new places and jump at the opportunity to go outside?  Find a new trail near where you live and go for a small exploration.
• The Kinesthete: Is moving your body one of your favorite ways to play?  Sign up for a yoga or pilates class! Try out new ways to move your body.

Overall, taking time to play brings joy to our everyday life, helps to relieve stress, boost our inner child, as well as sharpens our social-emotional skills.  We hope this inspires you to find a way to play today, giving you a small bit of happiness.

For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.

Featuring quick videos created for teens by teens.

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Sources:

Helpguide.org

Discover creative ideas to boost your inner child.