5 Creative Ways To Introduce More Play Into Your Life
Play is important for your overall well-being as well as your productivity and professional life. Still, many people have a hard time figuring out how to juggle their schedule to have enough time to relax. Trying to add more play into your packed routine can feel like just one more thing to cross off your to-do list.
Fortunately, the act of play can be worked into even the busiest schedules with a bit of creativity. You don’t have to feel strapped for time just because you want to have a bit more fun in the midst of the hectic pace that many of us are used to.
Here are a few ways you can creatively introduce more play into your life:
1. Pair it with other activities
If you already have a schedule that is filled to the brim with activities, the best way to incorporate a little more play is to pair it with an activity you already do. If you drive to work, why not play a little loud music or listen to an audiobook during your commute? Cooking dinner in the kitchen? How about a dance party to liven up your evening routine?
By pairing play with an activity that you already do, you’re more likely to actually follow through on your plan. Play doesn’t have to be something that requires maximum focus or needs hours out of a busy day. Finding a few minutes here and there is just as effective as setting aside a time block.
2. Move your body
Not sure where to start? One of the quickest and easiest ways to get into the mood for play is to simply move your body. Most people take this to mean that they need to do a sport or go for a workout, but that puts some serious limitations on what play can include.
If you aren’t the sports type, you can still move your body by learning a new skill, walking to a park on your lunch break, or playing a quick game of one-on-one basketball. Take a five-minute break to dance to your favorite song. Anything that gets you up and moving is great for the brain and the body.
3. Let your mind roam
Maybe your body is simply too tired to move today. That’s no excuse to let play pass you by. You can just as easily engage your mind in play to help you find similar rewards. This can include fun things like crossword puzzles or brain teasers. However, it can also look like allowing your mind to roam free through daydreaming, brainstorming sessions, or creating a vision board.
For those who have several days to dedicate to their playtime, you might want to travel or explore someplace new. This change in scenery can get you thinking about what you want to do with the rest of your playtime when you return home.
4. Make something with your hands
There’s something deeply satisfying about making something with your hands. It allows you to create and explore, but it also produces something tangible that you can hold onto as a reminder of how wonderful playtime can be. Pick up a paintbrush, push around some clay, or spend a day in your kitchen making muffins.
No matter what your favorite pastimes include, see what you can produce and what you may be able to share with your loved ones. Giving away what you made is a generous act that makes us happier, lowers stress, and improves relationships – a win-win situation.
5. Meet up with friends
While solo play is essential, you can double or even triple your fun by incorporating social time. Spending time with friends playing games, spending an hour over dinner, or taking a class can all be powerful ways to strengthen your relationships and help you unwind.
Think about who your cheerleaders are, and make it a priority to spend more time with them. Alternatively, you could gather together people that you want to get to know better or maybe even use it as a way to get to know someone new!
Adding more play to your life doesn’t have to be overly complex. With a few of these simple tips to squeeze more playtime out of an already busy day, you can start seeing the benefits of play as soon as possible. See how it improves your productivity, lowers your stress, increases your focus, and generally makes you feel better. Now go out and play!
