Why I Schedule Playtime for Myself

Play is a huge deal when it comes to mental health and I’m not just talking about for our kids. It’s the language we first use in life to express ourselves.  We were all playing before we were ever talking. Back then our well-being pretty much depended on play.  The experts tell us that play is vital to a happy healthy life.  One of my favorite experts, Brene Brown, said that play, has a positive effect on mood, satisfaction, and overall sense of enjoyment.  And yes, she’s talking about adults, partners, and families.  Not just kids!!

Our kids are usually insistent that they get their playtime: if we don’t allow for playtime, they will make it happen while we are trying to get them to do homework, settle down for bed, or pay attention during our boring lectures. We could learn a thing or two from our kids about how important it is to play.

So, what does play looks like if I am not 10, and how do I find time to do it?

I can tell you what play is not. It’s not watching television or dinking around on your phone.  That is too passive. Put your devices away. They prevent us from really getting engaged in play.  Play is truly subjective and really just means doing something for fun rather than because you have to.  It looks like whatever makes you feel like you are playing. I like to color with my daughter, dance to Kidz Bop with her, paint my toenails, plant flowers, and go for walks. Experiment and see what feels like play for you.

Make time to play!!  Experts insist that we must find time to play if we are going to be truly happy.  It’s impossible to be our most productive selves without taking time to refuel. So telling yourself that you don’t have time for it is like refusing to put gas in your car because you just don’t have a minute to spare.  It will end badly with you on the side of the road wasting your time while waiting for roadside service. Play is the stuff that keeps our engines running!

I try to schedule play into my to do list.  I hate having a to do list but I also hate having stuff undone.  So that means that I will use all my precious minutes to get’er done, and none of my time playing, but if I can add some play to my list, it’s a win/win!!  Try it!!

I just penciled in, lip sync to “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack, so if you’re looking for a good time, come on over!!

Christine Cain, MSSW