Play isn’t just for kids; it’s medicine for the adult soul. Yet somewhere along the way, many of us forget how to do it. Life gets busy, responsibilities pile up, and “fun” starts to feel frivolous or even impossible. But research shows that play matters deeply. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, has spent decades studying it. His work reveals that adults who engage in play are more creative, resilient, and emotionally healthy. Play isn’t just a distraction; it is essential nourishment for our nervous systems and our spirits.
So what does play look like for grown-ups?
It doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be a spontaneous dance in your kitchen, a creative project with no purpose, a silly game with friends, or a moment of laughter that catches you off guard. The key is letting yourself do it for no reason at all other than the sheer delight of it.
When I think about rediscovering play in my own life, I’m lucky enough to have it built into most of my days, thanks to my nine-year-old son. Since he’s an only child, grown-ups often become his playmates, whether we want to or not. The other day, we went outside with no plan or agenda. He raided the garage and came up with all sorts of random things I didn’t even know we had: sidewalk chalk (I drew a giant ghost on the driveway that said, “Hey Boo!”), a pair of curious racquets with a strange orange shuttlecock (we played for a while, but it made me dizzy), a long bamboo pole (which became a sword immediately), and a half-deflated ball (which made a very satisfying thud when kicked across the lawn). We created our own fun in real time, moving spontaneously and seeing where it took us. It was simple, silly, and completely uplifting, a perfect reminder that play doesn’t need rules or a plan, just a little willingness to show up and have fun.
But here’s the tricky part:
Many of us believe we can’t play!
Maybe we think we don’t have enough time, aren’t physically capable, or don’t want to get sweaty or dirty. Maybe we don’t see the value in being “unproductive.” Maybe we simply feel we don’t need or deserve it. These are the stories we tell ourselves, and like all stories, they are fundamentally not true (even if they seem 100% true!). Play can be simple, small, and deeply nourishing, no matter your age, schedule, or ability.
Reconnecting with play can begin simply by remembering what used to make you laugh, feel alive, or spark your curiosity. It might be a childhood hobby, a spontaneous creative impulse, or a silly, carefree act that once made you lighthearted. The form isn’t important; what matters is allowing yourself to feel that spark again.
The more we allow ourselves to play, the more alive life feels. Play opens doors to creativity, connection, and presence. It reminds us that happiness doesn’t have to be earned, that wonder doesn’t have an age limit, and that life itself can be a little lighter, a little brighter, and a little more fun.
Today, consider giving yourself permission for a small act of play. Something simple, spontaneous, and freeing. Notice what it does for you. Not just in the moment, but in the way it makes your spirit feel alive.
Get out there (or stay in!) and PLAY!