The Importance of Play: Reclaiming Joy as an Adult

20 May 2025

Do you remember the last time you really let loose, felt silly, or did something fun just for the heck of it? Not for work... not for productivity… but for pure, simple joy?

If that question made you pause or scratch your head, you're not alone. As adults, we often trade play for productivity. We get so tangled up in responsibilities, deadlines, and to-do lists that we forget what it means to just play.

But here's the truth: play is not just for kids. It's a crucial part of being a happy, healthy adult too. And in today’s high-stress world, reclaiming our inner child might be the self-care we didn’t know we needed.

Let’s dive into why play matters and how we can bring more of it into our grown-up lives.

What Is Play, Really?

Let’s get this out of the way: play is not a waste of time.

Play is any activity that brings you joy, fuels your creativity, and makes you feel alive. It can be dancing in your kitchen, doing a puzzle, painting, joking with friends, shooting hoops, or even just daydreaming.

There’s no “right” way to play. The key is that it’s done without pressure, outcome, or purpose — other than to have fun.

So yes, that spontaneous water balloon fight or weekend karaoke session totally counts.

The Science of Play and Why It Matters

You might be thinking, “Okay, sounds nice, but how is play actually good for me?”

Great question. Play isn’t just fun — it’s a science-backed way to boost your mood, relationships, and even your brain. Let’s break it down.

1. Play Reduces Stress

When we play, our brains release endorphins — those feel-good hormones that help us relax and unwind. Think of endorphins as natural stress-relievers that come free with a belly laugh or a spontaneous dance party.

It’s like giving your nervous system a reset. Goodbye tension, hello joy.

2. Play Boosts Brain Function

Play stimulates your brain and supports neuroplasticity — the brain's ability to grow and change. Whether you're playing chess, learning improv, or building LEGOs, you're challenging your mind in new and playful ways.

That translates to better problem-solving skills, creativity, and memory. Who knew being silly makes you smarter?

3. Play Improves Relationships

You ever notice how bonding seems so easy when you’re laughing or doing something fun with someone? Play helps connect us emotionally. It builds trust, encourages vulnerability, and deepens communication.

Couples who play together stay together — and the same goes for friends, families, and workplaces.

4. Play Reconnects Us With Ourselves

We spend so much time performing — at work, online, even in social settings. Play gives you permission to drop the act and just be.

When you’re in a playful state, you're tapping into your truest self — unfiltered, spontaneous, and fully alive.

Why Adults Stop Playing

Let’s be real: somewhere along the way, many of us stopped playing. But why?

1. We Prioritize Productivity

We live in a hustle culture that worships productivity. If an activity doesn’t make money or move the needle, we label it a “waste of time.” But that mindset robs us of mental rest and joy.

2. We Feel Self-Conscious

Adults often associate play with childishness. We're afraid of looking "immature" or "silly," so we suppress our playful side. But pretending to have it all together all the time? That’s the real drag.

3. We Forget What We Loved

When life moves fast, we lose touch with the little joys. We forget the games, hobbies, and activities that once made us feel alive. The good news? They’re still inside us. We just need to dig them out.

How to Reclaim Joy Through Play

Okay, so we want to play more. But how do we actually do that when life feels so… full? Here’s how to get started.

1. Reflect on What Felt Fun Before

Think back to what you loved doing as a kid or teen.

Did you love coloring? Climbing trees? Making up silly songs? Playing pretend? There’s gold in those memories. Ask yourself: how can I bring that feeling back?

Even 10 minutes of tapping into that joy can change your whole day.

2. Schedule Play Like an Appointment

If you’re someone who needs to see it on the calendar to commit — do it. Block out time each week for something fun. Paint. Dance. Join a sports league. Go to an escape room. Heck, try a hula hoop again.

If you schedule work meetings, meals, and workouts, then play deserves a spot too.

3. Say Yes to Spontaneity

Play isn’t always planned. Sometimes it’s about embracing a moment. Dance when your favorite song comes on. Start a snowball fight. Say yes to an invite just because it sounds fun.

Let go of the script sometimes — that's where the magic happens.

4. Surround Yourself With Playful People

Energy is contagious. Hang with people who laugh easily, don’t take life too seriously, and are down to try new things. Being around playful folks helps you loosen up and invite more joy in.

Spoiler alert: You’ll probably become one of them, too.

Types of Play Adults Can Embrace

Still feeling stuck on how to actually “play”? You’ve got options, my friend. Let’s look at a few playful paths for grown-ups.

1. Creative Play

This includes painting, writing poetry, crafting, photography, or playing music. You don’t need to be Picasso. The fun is in expressing yourself, not the result.

2. Physical Play

Think sports, dancing, yoga, hiking, or even jumping rope. Moving your body + having fun = a double dose of feel-good vibes.

3. Social Play

Board games, trivia nights, dinner parties, improv classes, or laughing with friends all count. Joy multiplies when it's shared.

4. Solo Play

Not all play needs an audience. Puzzles, solo adventures, or just goofing off with your pet can refill your joy tank. You’re never too old to make up your own games.

The Benefits of Making Play a Priority

Adding more play to your life isn’t just about escaping adulting — it’s about enhancing how you live every day. Here’s what you can expect:

- Boosted creativity and innovation
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Stronger social connections
- Improved work-life balance
- Greater resilience and emotional health
- A deeper sense of purpose and joy

And most importantly? You start feeling like you again.

A Final Word on Play

Bringing play back into your life doesn’t mean dodging all responsibility. It means creating space to breathe, laugh, create, and connect.

Play doesn't ask for perfection or performance. It asks for presence.

So give yourself permission. Say yes to joy. Let yourself be silly, curious, and spontaneous. Because play isn’t just for kids — it’s a lifeline for grown-ups too.

And hey… when’s the last time you had a good laugh that made your belly hurt? Maybe it’s time to go chase that feeling again.