Boost Productivity with the Power of Play
If you’re juggling a demanding work schedule, personal responsibilities, and the never-ending quest for self-improvement, amidst this whirlwind of productivity, one crucial element often gets overlooked: play. Play—the seemingly trivial activity we associate with children—is not just a luxury, but a necessity for adults, particularly those striving for peak performance.
When was the last time you took time out to play? As kids, we often play games of hide and seek, “let’s pretend” or build sand castles on the beach. But somewhere on the way to adulthood, we lose our sense of play. John O’Leary, suggests children play naturally, but as we get older, because we want approval and want to fit it, “We strive not to be curious, but to be right.”
John’s comments are spot on, but there are other reasons too. As adults, we tend to let go of the kid in us for so many reasons; the responsibilities and priorities of life get in the way, or the social expectations that we feel may exist, or the fear of embarrassment can inhibit that playful side of ourselves. Play is not just for children; it's essential for adults too. It’s a fundamental aspect of human development that contributes to our emotional well-being and overall quality of life. And just as we prioritize other healthy habits like diet and exercise, it’s important to add play into our daily or weekly routine. Here are some other reasons you can, and should, add more play into your life (even if you’re busy):
Research consistently underscores the importance of play for adults
Linking it to a multitude of cognitive, emotional, and physical benefits. A study published in the American Journal of Play highlights that engaging in playful activities can enhance problem-solving skills, creativity, and adaptability—key traits for any successful professional. Moreover, play has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental well-being, both of which are critical for maintaining high levels of performance over time.
The role of play in stress reduction
For high-performing professionals, stress is a constant companion. The American Psychological Association notes that chronic stress can lead to burnout, diminished productivity, and a host of health issues. Incorporating play into daily routines can be a powerful antidote. Playful activities trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, which can enhance mood and provide a sense of well-being. This biochemical response helps mitigate the effects of stress, making us more resilient in the face of challenges. Renowned child therapist Gordon Neufeld says playfulness is so good for the brain that it is almost an equivalent to rest. “Play allows for maximum neural plasticity and maximum restoration without having to be asleep.” I learned about Neufeld’s work from another podcast guest of mine, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, in her new book, Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Love Each Other. She shares a story of Neufeld being called upon on how to help the children in Ukraine with so many bombs falling around them. He told them to shove the school curriculum out the window and allow the children to play without any structure because even when they were hearing the noises of the war in their background, they still felt safe because they were playing, because that sends a signal to their brains that they were okay.
Enhance your connections
In addition to individual benefits, play also enhances social bonds. Engaging in playful activities with colleagues can improve teamwork, communication, and collaboration. A study by the University of Michigan found that teams that played together were more cohesive and performed better on tasks requiring collective effort. These findings suggest that incorporating play into corporate culture can not only enhance individual performance but also strengthen team dynamics.
Practical Ways to Integrate Play into Your Life
Schedule Playtime: Just as you schedule meetings and workouts, carve out time for play. Whether it's a game of tennis, a board game with family, or a playful walk with your dog, ensure you allocate time for activities that bring joy.
Incorporate Play into Work: Encourage playful activities in the workplace. This could be through team-building exercises, brainstorming sessions that include games, or even creating a playful environment with stress-relief toys.
Rediscover Hobbies: Reconnect with hobbies or activities you enjoyed as a child. Whether it's drawing, playing an instrument, or participating in sports, these activities can reignite your creativity and reduce stress.
Mindfulness and Play: Combine mindfulness practices with playful activities. Activities such as yoga, dancing, or even playful meditation can enhance both mental and physical well-being.
Incorporating play into your daily life is not a frivolous indulgence. It enhances your overall quality of life, cultivating more happiness, creativity and connection. For a more productive, emotionally well and higher quality of life, I invite you to make time let the kid out in you!
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