Understanding The Importance Of ‘PLAY’ For Adults

We have always heard and talked about how important it is for children to go out and play. In fact, with the pandemic and the increase in the use of technology in entertaining children and adults, playing outside has been thrown out of the window.

Now that the pandemic is in control, parents have started encouraging their children to step out and play. But what about adults? We never encourage adults to step out and play.

Why is that?

This is because none of us talk about the importance of play for adults. Playing games, and sports, and engaging in outdoor activities have innumerable benefits not only for children but for adults as well. Today we will discuss the importance of adult PLAY…

Why Do Adults Stop Playing?

Playing is usually associated with children. Many adults who engage in playing are often laughed at and ridiculed for being childish. Are you one of those who think adults are not meant to play any games?

If yes, you need to read this blog very carefully. Adults stop playing because as they grow older the weight of responsibilities increases. Adults are busy making their careers, managing their relationships, building their homes, etc.

I’m not saying all these things aren’t important, they are but who said engaging in ‘PLAY’ can divert your attention and focus? Many Adults assume that playing games are for kids and that they should focus on more important stuff like building a life for themselves.

How Does Play Affect The Brain In Adults?

If you read early literature you will always find some text explaining the games our ancestors used to play to keep them entertained, healthy and happy. When an adult engages in ‘PLAY’ their brain reacts in a way that leads to various positive outcomes.

According to various scientific research, indulging in play makes your brain release all the good hormones that can make you feel so much better and happier. Here are a few ways PLAY affects the brain in an adult;

• Releases endorphins (the feel-good hormone)
• Increases brain functions (cognitive and executive functions)
• Increase creativity, problem-solving, decision-making, etc.
• Increases the levels of the endocannabinoid anandamide
• Improves memory

These effects of play on the brain are just to name a few. There are plenty of other ways play can affect your brain and help you improve your brain health. Therefore, adults should go out and play as much as ask their children to do so.

The Importance Of Play For Adults

In the fast pacing world where everyone is chasing growth, success, development, etc we forget to have a little fun. Even when we choose to take a break from our busy lives when we end up spending time in front of the screen these days.

In transitioning from childhood to adulthood we somewhere leave ‘PLAY’ behind. That’s where we go wrong. We have already discussed how play affects the brain of an adult, you can see how positively playing games can impact your life.

Here’s why playing is very important for adults too;

• Helps you get a peek into your personality
• It is a very good form of physical exercise
• Helps you gain a productive and growth-promoting mindset
• Improves social skills and communication
• Improves relationships

Benefits Of PLAY For Adults

Including play in your daily routine can benefit you in many ways. We have already discussed how important it is for adults and how playing can increase their quality of life for adults. Adults need to engage in play a lot more because the amount of stress adults deal with can be managed by engaging in play.

Let’s explore some other benefits of play for adults;

• Works and a stress reliever: when you engage in playing games, you can release all stressful energy making you feel much better by the end of the day. Playing releases endorphins which makes you feel so much better in general that stress can’t even hover over you.
• Increases brain health: as we discussed earlier, playing regularly for adults can have a positive effect on your brain. It helps you release all the good hormones that you need to lead a happy and healthy life.
• Stimulates the mind: it makes your mind more active and gives it time to refresh and relax so that you can creatively deal with all the stressors in life. Play for adults acts as a power bank for the brain.
• Helps you improve your relationships: playing regularly can help you improve your communication skills and makes you more compassionate towards others. Play helps you improve your connection with others and helps you manage your relationships.
• Keep you going: regularly playing games can keep you physically active and fit as well as keeps your mind fresh and energetic. It is one of the best ways to maintain good health (physical and mental).

That’s All Folks!

I hope you found this blog about the importance of PLAY for adults helpful, informative, and thought-provoking. Do share this blog with your friends and family so that we all know how important play is to adults.

Thanks for reading.

Take care and stay safe.