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For most people, this carefree, playful approach to life disappears at some point between childhood and adulthood. Indeed, playing is associated primarily with children.
Remember when you were a child and you would spend hours just playing? Not working to a deadline or succumbing to daily pressures, but just enjoying yourself and exploring?
Research suggests, however, that there are enormous benefits to playing as adults, and that it’s something we should all be trying to do more often.
Similarly, adults who don’t play can find it difficult to relax and might feel bored when not occupied, while playful adults tend to be more aware of new opportunities and are open to them.
So, why do we give up playing as we enter adulthood? The obvious answer is that there is a social stigma attached to it. Playful behavior in adults is often seen as strange.
For example, one study showed that adults who tap into their playful side are more motivated, creative, and spontaneous. They may even have lower blood pressure.
Apparently, being playful is essentially having the ability to frame everyday situations in a way that makes them appear funny or intellectually stimulating.
There are things we can do, however, to become more playful and even get rid of that stigma. According to psychology professor René Proyer, being a playful adult comes down to one thing.
For instance, you might include an impromptu interaction with a colleague at the coffee machine, or a joke shared with another parent on the playground.
Board games, for example, are dictated by rules and are normally accompanied by an element of competition. This can actually stifle fun and creativity.
A good place to start is by becoming more observational and aware. At the end of each day, try to make a list (it can be mental) of three spontaneous things that happened.
In that sense, playfulness can be considered a skill that we can all develop and harness. Keep on reading for some tips on how to develop your playfulness.
Similarly, there are playful activities that used to be for children only, but that are now more popular and therefore socially acceptable among adults.
If you find it very difficult to engage in an activity that might be socially embarrassing, consider whether there is a socially-acceptable ‘excuse’ you could use.
The most obvious example is video gaming. Back in the day it was thought that video games were for teenagers, and 'geeky' teenagers at that.
Coloring, for example, was always thought of as a child’s activity, but thanks to the marketing of 'therapeutic' adult coloring books, adults can now color stigma-free.
According to one BBC article, the value of the global gaming market was US$174 billion in 2020, and it is forecast to hit US$314 billion by 2026.
Thanks to platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, gaming has become normalized, among teenage and adult gamers alike.
‘Flow’ can be defined as "the optimal experience when nothing else matters.
It is about being fully in the zone, just like a professional athlete.
Finding the flow state while playing video games can provide a distraction from mental health struggles and give the player a chance to work on their well-being in a fun environment.
The full-time YouTuber and gamer once told the BBC that she feels that her professional success doing what she does helps to address the stigma around gaming.
Faux-Wilkins has an audience of over 300,000 followers. Apparently some of them tune in because they can relate to her personality, while others want to join game discussions.
As mentioned, the stigma around adult video gamers is on its way out, and that’s partly thanks to gaming influencers such as Mollie Faux-Wilkins (or "The English Simmer").
According to Italian psychologist Federica Pallavicini, gaming can do wonders for our mental health. And it’s all down to the fact that while gaming we can achieve a state of ‘flow.’
Of course, with the pressures of adult life weighing down on us, it’s no wonder that many of us don’t prioritize playing. Many of us are simply just too busy.
So at the end of the day today, make your list of spontaneous occurrences. Think about activities you used to enjoy when you were younger, and consider taking one up again.
Together we can work to break down the stigma around playing games and reap the benefit as both individuals and members of society.
Sources: (BBC)
See also: How video games affect psychology
Given the apparent benefits from engaging in playful activities, however, it seems we should all be making the time to play.
Try not to be afraid of seeing the fun in activities not normally associated with adults. Many socially-acceptable games for adults don’t actually encourage playfulness.
The things on your list don’t have to be hilarious, just little moments that will trigger your playfulness and remind you of the enjoyment in your life.
The term "playing" is most often associated with kids–we tend to think of playing as an activity that we enjoy as children, but that doesn't really fit into an adult lifestyle. In reality, however, adults have much to gain from being playful in one way or another. People who continue to tap into their playful side as adults tend to be more creative, spontaneous, and even healthier.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery to find out why playing games is beneficial.
The surprising benefits of playing games
They're not just for children!
LIFESTYLE Playtime
The term "playing" is most often associated with kids–we tend to think of playing as an activity that we enjoy as children, but that doesn't really fit into an adult lifestyle. In reality, however, adults have much to gain from being playful in one way or another. People who continue to tap into their playful side as adults tend to be more creative, spontaneous, and even healthier.
Intrigued? Then check out this gallery to find out why playing games is beneficial.