As we get older, the concept of play feels like nothing more than a distant memory. Gone are the days of playing outside with our friends or drawing to our heart’s content for hours on end. However, research says that just as there are many benefits to play for children, play is also highly beneficial for adults. After all, play promotes resilience, emotional flexibility and social connection.

Most adults misunderstand what play actually is. Play does not have to involve games, toys, or athletic ability. At its core, play is an activity that feels joyful, spontaneous, creative, or restorative. Play is not about being as productive as possible but truly enjoying oneself.

For some people, this might look like doing aquarobics, just for the fun of it. For others, it might mean sitting down at the piano after years of not playing. Play can even be as simple as making your friends laugh.

Just because you have more responsibilities as an adult doesn’t mean that you’ve outgrown your creativity and imagination. Nor does it mean you’ve lost your sense of wonder and curiosity. So next time you think about play, why not see where your imagination takes you?

By Diane Alavie, BSc. Phm.