The inspiring and insightful Brene Brown says that “If we want to live a wholehearted life, we have to become intentional about cultivating sleep and play, and about letting go of exhaustion as a status symbol and productivity as self-worth.” 

As a kid I would spend days playing cops and robbers on my razor scooter, filming fake news reports about cats taking over the world, and running through the woods convincing myself that there was an old building somewhere if we kept looking hard enough. 

As I grew up my scooter was replaced by a laptop to write research papers on and the woods became an itchy place in which I didn’t have time to waste. I lost touch with something that is essential to people of all ages: PLAY. 

I became fixated on getting things done 100% of the time rather than giving myself a break to play as Brene Brown suggests we do The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are. 

Engaging in play is a necessary part of life. It reduces stress, builds creativity, and makes you a better problem solver. As adults we are told to focus on work, making money, building a family. In the midst of all this pressure it’s easy to lose sight of the playful, curious child who lives in us all. 

Luckily, that child is still alive and in us. It’s not too late to bring them out to play with these simple steps 

1. Think about how you played as a kid 

What got you excited as a kid? And what does that tell you about yourself? Maybe the mosquitos and sweat of the woods don’t appeal to me anymore, but it reminds me that I like adventure and discovering places. This realization led me to explore book stores. I get the same thrill from walking through tall aisles of endless words as I did walking through wooded paths as a kid. 

2. Set Aside Time to Play 

Make play a priority. Like anything in life, if you value it you set aside time for it. Make a conscious choice to be playful by scheduling a time in your planner or set a reminder in your phone. Sometimes I create a reward system for myself; I give myself time after I complete a task to play a board game or have a 5-minute dance party in my apartment. 

3. Play with others 

Playing can be easier with other people. Go to the park and throw a frisbee, join an improv class, get a group of friends together to decorate cupcakes. This not only spreads the joy, it can also hold you accountable to play. 

Dr. Stuart Brown, the founder of the National Institute for Play, says “When we stop playing, we start dying.” Bring yourself back to life with invigorating play! Let your inner child out by acknowledging their worth, setting aside time to play, and getting playful with others! 

Written by Havah Roussel