Become a Playful Being - Rewire Yourself With These 7 Practices

The act of playing might not seem like it has a purpose – that's the point, right?! No concerns about work or getting something accomplished – it's just for fun. Often an image of children or puppies might pop to mind when you think about the undirected, stress-free act of Play because it's what they do best. It's a widely accepted fact that being playful is a critical part of learning and developing physically and mentally. So the go-to thought of kids (of any species) at play makes sense.

But now, scientific studies show evidence that the benefits of Play go far beyond getting you ready to be an adult! When you have a lighthearted approach to life and direct energy to silliness, you're tapping into a trait that researchers now associate with emotional stability, better work performance, innovative thinking, academic success, improved coping skills, and positive well-being. So of all the health-boosting intentions you choose to set, being playful might be the most fun! So let's get to some practices to rewire your brain and sprinkle some extra whimsy into your moments!

Of course, the whole idea behind the act of Play is to be self-directed, so please find your joy and take these tips as starters to boost your own creativity. And, for those who may find silliness uncomfortable or even difficult, remember it is a natural trait ready to be warmed back up to support your well-being.

If you'd like to get started by strengthening your ability to tap into the present moment, take a peek at these simple, quick activities.

1. Befriend Your Environment

You have tools, plants, and creatures in your daily life that may be so ever-present that it's easy to pass them by without much notice. But what if these little pockets of energy could be health-boosting? Maybe it's a squirrel in your tree that needs a name, voice, and backstory? Does your car or bike have a name and personality yet? And our personal favorites to name are plants and trees. The possibilities and bits of joy are endless.

Just to give you a few examples…our vacuum, "Munchie," has a ferocious appetite. Though he's not great at details, he does take great pride in his work. "Malona," the squirrel came from the other side of the river. We think it might have been on a turtle's back. She's a bit of a voyeur and considers us top suspects in her missing nut case. "Mr. Whisker," the hand-held blender recently passed - we're not sure the special zip he added to our morning routine can ever be replaced. And, finally, there's "Hermes," our beloved palm tree. He has hair like Fabio, loves to whisper sage advice… and at the moment, we think he's pregnant. You're getting the point. These are just four examples and only the tip of the iceberg of the personalities and stories we've given them and their friends. Give it a whirl and keep it as light or involved as you'd like (we spent days researching/pondering the proper name for Hermes). The main idea is to keep it fun for your health and well-being.

2. Set the Stage for Improv

To add more Play into your life, start by adopting a playful mindset. This means you're open to possibilities that brighten the mood and take notice of funny patterns. Being playful is the subtle act of turning the mundane (or annoying) into something personally interesting or entertaining by reframing it. For example, "What are other ways this could be used?" or "How might this be something silly?

Improv is a super example of how you can prime your mind to notice funny patterns. This type of "theater" invites you to make rapid mental connections and seek opportunities to be amused. When your mind is open to enjoyment, you'll be more likely to find the fun in the most unlikely places and add a little more light to your life and others!

3. Gamify Your Life

Gamifying simply means introducing game-like qualities to things that might not typically seem like play. For example, you might consider a tally board for each house chore you complete that day… unload dishes = ⭐️, clear countertops = ⭐️ ⭐️, wipe the fridge down = ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️… you get the point(s)! Likewise, if you love dry-erase boards as much as we do (everything temporary, right!?), place one on the fridge and let it accumulate stars, hearts, and smiley faces whenever you have a new punch list of to-dos.

You can even set healthy rewards up for your gamified activities – once you get through with your list, treat yourself to some calm time in your favorite comfy spot for a well-earned break. You might also enjoy a little competition to spice things up. And, if competing with others doesn't sound like fun (we hear ya'), there's always a race against the clock or beating your old record somehow. Style points count! How gracefully can you twirl your way into the next room as you put up laundry?! This all may seem silly… because it IS SILLY! When you add more whimsy to your life, you'll have more opportunities to rewire your brain, sharpen mental connections, regulate your emotions, and ultimately improve your well-being.

4. Create Play Dates

Cultivating a playful mindset is a beautiful way to positively shift the moments throughout your day. It's also great to lift your goof-factor and mental health by rallying your friends (or family) for dedicated playtime. As adults, we often prioritize sharing a lovely meal or just a friendly catch-up as our social "fun" time. This is good! AND, if you'd like to add even more of those wellness-producing benefits to your social time, pop some play into the mix! You might consider the go-to board game, pull out the art supplies for some impromptu abstract coloring, or toss in extra creativity by making animal costumes out of paper plates and markers. Whatever turns your giggle box on!

Whether it's a specific date on the calendar or the brief encounters you have during your day, your relationships will benefit from Play by keeping things fresh and joyful. Also, in the right time/situations, playing with someone else can rebuild connections where hurt or disappointment may exist.

5. Get Lost.

In a world full of plans and direction, for many of us, it's rare to find a day or time that is decidedly unstructured. Structure and play mix as well as oil and water. So if you're diving into this practice, make sure you have enough time to let yourself be untethered before life's demands call you back home. One of our favorite practices is heading out for an adventure without a plan. You can allow the flip of a coin or a pop of curiosity to turn your course on a walk or ride. When heading back from an errand, you might find that switching your GPS to "no highways" sends you down a road in your own town that you've never seen before!

Maybe, you can even make a day trip with the family to twist and turn yourself somewhere new. At a minimum, you'll be practicing being without a plan, and, with a playful-primed mind, you may discover fun experiences in unexpected places or ways. The key here is allowing the twists and turns to be driven by wonder, not directed.

6. Boogie and Belt it Out.

Yes, getting your dance on is excellent for your physical well-being, and actively enjoying music is so much more. When you pump up the jams and let your body sway in any which way, you are at play! And this totally self-directed-no-judgment activity offers you a concoction of chemicals that rewire your brain to make more mental connections, spark creativity, and increase innovative thinking... Will you have the next Nobel prize-winning idea post-dance session? Maybe. But, remember, that's not the point. When you are being playful, your sole purpose is to enjoy yourself. And, as you brighten the path with more bursts of lighthearted energy, you invite more vibrant possibilities into your mind and life.

7. Play with the Experts.

We began this article by mentioning two types of creatures that get all gold stars for their playful prowess - kiddos and pets. If you don't already get a good dose of "play with" time, we suggest spending some time with these experts in unstructured fun. Now, for those of you who spend a lot of time in your everyday playing with kids, this tip might not be for you. But for those of you who don't have kids or playful animals in your life, a visit with one of these highly-skilled play experts might have something to offer you!

Final Thoughts on Becoming a Playful Being

Incorporate as many suggestions in the list above into your life. You may find some of the practices to be easier than others and others you may already be doing. The important part is to stay on your path. With each small practice, you'll notice your giggles flow as you recognize your innate playful spirit and your ability to frame and reframe life's experiences for your enjoyment!

Hello, #BrighterBeing! Interested in exploring more? Because we’re all about reminders here at LumenKind, we make handy guides and tools to support you in taking action on these insights. And, we hope you'll join us on the journeywith monthly insights, suggested intentions, and mindfulness tips. 

Related: Discover your Power Planet 🪐

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