When was the last time you had fun? Or what’s an activity that you find fun? Do you have a hobby that frequently piques your interest? Do you ever try to do something new just for the sake of fun? Take some time to think about these questions, because, as you’ll see, they’re truly important to successful aging.
Sadly, I’ve worked with many older adults that did not have an easy time answering those questions.
Then again, I’ve had some older adults who would answer those questions with “I used to have fun, and I just don’t anymore.”
While it may seem like I’m overstepping my bounds and worrying too much about my patient’s personal lives, the truth is that there’s actual science behind the importance of having fun.
That’s right! The importance of it. Or said another way, the need to have fun in our lives to maintain healthy, fulfilling lifestyles.
What Does Play Do for the Brain?
Have you ever watched a puppy play with a toy? Or maybe you’ve witnessed your grandchildren playing house together.
When we think about kids playing, it’s normal to look at it through a lens of nostalgia- “Oh how great it was when I was young and used to jump rope with my sister, or build forts with the neighbor kids…”
It’s common for adults to see play and having fun as something that is frivolous- something only to be enjoyed by kids and pets.
However, it’s not just that children and young animals are willing to partake in the seemingly nonsensical nature of play, rather it’s a necessary part of their brain development.
Within our brains exists a neurotransmitter called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This neurotransmitter promotes production of brain cells (neurons), and is needed to maintain neurons.
Research done by Marion Diamond out of UC Berkeley showed that rats who engaged in play had larger cortical regions than the rats that didn’t have a play-enriched environment.2 This allowed for the playful rats to be better at problem solving (working through a maze) than their non-playful counterparts.2
This was due to the increase in BDNF in the brains of the rats who engaged in play.
Play has been equated to “fertilizer for the brain,” because following play, there is this increase in growth factor for neurons.
What is Play?
While this question would probably seem obvious if you asked a child, it’s actually a little tougher for most adults to answer. In fact, there’s really no one set definition.
According to Stuart Brown, the director of the National Institute for Play, play is “anything done spontaneously for its own sake.”1
Essentially, play is something that doesn’t have a specific purpose. It’s done with the intention of doing for the sake of doing, rather than doing for achievement or with a specific goal in mind.
This is where many adults seem to struggle. The idea of doing something without a purpose seems like a waste of time. However, when play is incorporated throughout one’s day, it elicits even more benefits than in-the-moment fun. In fact, it contributes to successful aging.
Benefits of Play
For many of us, “play” or “fun” is more associated with sitting in front of a screen for hours, rather than truly engaging in an activity.
While it may seem that zoning out is beneficial, studies have found that participating in play can actually help reduce anxiety, boost creativity, and acts as a natural antidepressant.2
Additionally, play can boost feelings of connection with others, build trust, and boost energy levels.4
Play has also been shown to help increase attention span.3
Of course, if you’re doing something active, then you get the additional benefits that exercise provides like improved heart and lung function, a release of endorphins, and greater strength and endurance.
How to Achieve the Benefits of Play
In American society in particular, gamifying learning through using flashcards or computer games seems to get confused with true play, like recess.3
In classrooms in China and Japan, where students tend to excel in school, they are given play breaks every 50 minutes. Research has also found that students are more attentive following a 10-20 minute break for recess.3
The key, however, is not just the physical activity, but the unstructured activity. For example, studies have found that PE classes don’t have the same benefits as recess when it comes to attention span, as PE class is structured.3
Essentially, it’s not about choosing the “right” activity, but allowing for their to be no hard rules or regulations associated with it.
The “right” activity for you may be completely different than what someone else deems to be play. Play is about having fun, enjoying the activity in the moment, and not worrying about some desired result.
How to Create More Play in Your Life
Creating consistent opportunities for play is also important for achieving its benefits.
Once again, think about how often children play. While it seemingly comes more natural for them, as adults we can organize our day in order to include play frequently and consistently.
1. Take on a Mindset of Play
A huge part of play is that we’re not trying to perfect anything- we’re just enjoying the experience as it is.
Many adults opt out of opportunities for play because they’re worried about embarrassing themselves, or not being “good enough” at an activity to participate.
Adopting a mindset of play allows us the freedom to make mistakes and still have fun playing.
Let’s say you’ve always wanted to try Pickleball, but you’re worried because you’ve never played, so you don’t ask the group at the park if you can join.
If you approached it with a playful mindset you could remind yourself that learning is part of the game, and making mistakes is an opportunity for learning and growth.
Even the best Pickleballers make mistakes, yet they still can have fun and enjoy the game.
Choosing to adopt a mindset of play can also be beneficial with a difficult task at home or work. Just say to yourself, “I’m just going to play with this for a little bit,” and see if that helps you solve your problem.
A playful mindset allows for our minds to open to new possibilities and different solutions that were likely hindered by the thoughts of “Oh, I just don’t know how to fix/do this.”
2. Think About What Was Fun for You as a Child
As I stated before, I frequently hear “Oh, I used to have fun when I was younger…” from many of my patients.
Well, what was it that you found fun, and can you still do that activity now?
I used to spend hours writing in my notebook as a kid, and now I have a blog. This is a source of play for me.
If you don’t think you can do the exact same activity you did as a child, can you identify the root of what was fun?
For example, if you loved building forts could you build birdhouses? Or was it the design element that you found fun? Could you try drawing or redecorating a room in your house?
Thinking back to what brought you joy when you were younger is a great launching off point for having more fun now.
3. Laugh6
The idea that laughter is the best medicine is relevant here.
Laughing has been shown to stimulate organs, like the lungs and heart. It also helps to alleviate stress and tension. Long-term effects of laughing include pain relief, increased immune function, improved personal satisfaction, and improved mood.5
Think about it. It’s hard to feel stress and laugh at the same time. Even if you’re in a stressful time of life, laughter provides some ease and levity in the moment.
Laughing can also help you adopt that mindset of playfulness. Instead of getting down on yourself for mistakes, vow to laugh at them.
Try this- if you’re in a bad mood, just smile. See if that changes any of the negative emotions you’re feeling. Or right now, just laugh. Out loud, like no one can hear you, and notice any changes to your mood.
4. Make Playdates6
Just like you did when you were a kid, or if you had kids, scheduling time to play can help ensure that it happens.
You don’t even have to have someone to play with (although that can be great too).
Write it down on your calendar, or set a reminder on your phone. Allow yourself time to just play.
5. Be a Play Ambassador
How can you bring play to other people’s lives as well?
Can you teach your grandkids how to fly a kite? Can you call your daughter just to tell her a joke?
Can you make up a game while standing in line at the grocery store, like counting all the things that start with the letter A that you can see?
How creative can you be at initiating play in your life and enriching the lives of those around you?
Comment below on how you incorporate play into your day!
Have the Strength to Live Life to the Fullest!
Sources:
- https://academy.schooleducationgateway.eu/documents/1508261/0/power+of+play/ec599a0c-c9e5-405d-9c0c-c65872fe1e21
- https://www.mindful.org/play-soulpancake-and-building-your-anti-depressant-brain/
- https://parentingscience.com/benefits-of-play/
- https://wanderlust.com/journal/the-importance-of-play-in-adulthood/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-relief/art-20044456
- All photos made on canva.com
