Let’s get playful: Why you should make time for fun

Remember the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt? If you’re scratching your head trying to recall, you’re not alone. As parents, we’ve got a lot on our plate. But somewhere between the office meetings and bedtime routines, we lose touch with something vital: our playful side.

Today, we’re flipping the script. Let’s talk about why play isn’t just for the kiddos, and how bringing a little more fun into your life could be the best thing you do all week. Spoiler alert: It’s gonna be awesome.

Story time: Let’s Play!

“Let’s play!” my 6-year-old hollered from the backyard. All I could think about were the emails I hadn’t sent, the dinner that wasn’t going to cook itself, and how I felt exhausted. So, I said, “Maybe later.”

Later, as I finally sat down, a wave of regret hit me. Why didn’t I just give him five minutes? I used to jump on my bike just because or bust out dance moves in the living room like no one was watching.

When did I become so…serious?

All he needed was 5 minutes. It would have been great moment for both of us.

It’s easy to get caught up in the grind, but here’s a wild thought: play isn’t just for kids—it’s for you too.

What is play, really?

Here’s a little secret: play isn’t just about toys, games, or even physical activity. It’s a state of mind. It’s about being in the moment, doing something just for the heck of it, and not worrying about the outcome.

Think about it. When was the last time you did something just because it was fun? Not because it was productive, or because someone else needed you to. Just for fun. That’s what play is all about.

The 8 play personalities: Which one are you?

So, how do you like to play? Dr. Stuart Brown, the founder of National Institute for Play and play expert (yes, that’s a real job), identified 8 play personalities that can help us understand what play means for each of us.

Here’s a quick rundown:

1. The Joker: Enjoys humor and making others laugh through jokes, pranks, or playful interactions.

2. The Kinesthete: Loves movement and physical activity, finding joy in sports, dance, or any form of bodily engagement.

3. The Explorer: Thrives on discovering new experiences, whether through travel, learning, or personal adventures.

4. The Competitor: Finds excitement in competition and enjoys activities where there are clear goals and challenges.

5. The Director: Loves planning and organizing activities, taking pleasure in leading and coordinating events.

6. The Collector: Gains satisfaction from gathering and organizing objects or experiences that hold personal significance.

7. The Artist/Creator: Expresses creativity through making things, whether it’s art, crafts, or other creative projects.

8. The Storyteller: Enjoys creating and sharing narratives through writing, music, acting, or other forms of storytelling​

Which one or two sound like you? The key is to find your play personality and lean into it.

How to make it happen

There are so many physical and mental benefits of play including stress reduction and overall well-being. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with your kids on their level!

Here’s how to make play a regular part of your life:

• Set a play date: This isn’t just for your kids. Reach out to a buddy who you always have a good time with. Whether it’s hitting the golf course or just catching a game together, make time for fun.

• Bring back a childhood favorite: What did you love doing as a kid? Did you collect baseball cards, build models, or spend hours playing video games? Whatever it was, revisit it. You might be surprised at how much joy it still brings.

• Mix up your routine: Try something new. It could be as simple as taking a different route on your morning run, or as adventurous as signing up for that cooking class you’ve been eyeing.

• Get silly: Don’t be afraid to let loose. Dance in the kitchen, have a pillow fight, or start a water balloon war in the backyard. The sillier, the better. Your kids will love it, and you’ll feel like a kid again too.

• Start small: Don’t feel like play needs to be a new hobby. You can build with clay at home without signing up for a multi-week pottery class.

• Schedule play: It might sound counter intuitive, but if you block out time to do something fun, it will actually happen.

Weekly connection moment: Your play challenge

This week, I’ve got a challenge for you. Think about your play personality and pick one thing you can do that fits. Then, share it with your kids. Let them see that you know how to have fun too.

If they’re young, join them in their world of make-believe. If they’re a bit older, get competitive with a game of hoops or a board game. Whatever it is, make it count.