We all love to hear the giggling, cackling and uninhibited screams of joy from children who are out and about playing. Seeing children playing is a joyous moment in itself. It can make us think back to simpler times in our own childhood, if we were lucky enough to have one that included a lot of fun, laughter and play.

Play in childhood leads to healthy adulthood. The list of benefits for children is endless from learning social interaction, figuring out how to solve problems without adult intervention, standing up for yourself and even making mistakes and apologising.

Research shows that children who are deprived of play can have long term impacts such as isolation, depression, reduced self-control and poor resilience. As adults we often give up play for more serious persuits such as careers, our relationships and our families; all of which are valid pursuits.

Play for adults is critical in our busy, stressful lives.  It has been shown to release endorphins and improve brain functionality. Playful characteristics can lead to lower blood pressure. One study found being ‘playful’ makes you more attractive and can help you feel more young and energetic.

Simmi, Kiki and Manju agree with a lot of what has been discussed in the associated podcasts and Ted Talks they have listened to about the benefits of play and having fun as an adult. They also talk 8 play personality types and uncover which particular one they fit into! Play isn’t something new that you have to do. It’s tapping back to something that is personal and fulfilling. They share their own thoughts and ideas of what play means and how to incorporate it into everyday life, even if it’s just finding micro-moments of play.

Experiment a bit and find out what works for you.  We could all use a bit more play in our responsible, adult lives. 'We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.’ - George Bernard Shaw

References:

• Yolonda Tyler at TEDxBoggyCreek - The Importance of PLAY in adulthood and childhood.
• Stuart Brown: Book - Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul & his TED Talk - Play is more than fun
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