The importance of adult play

_Elsa_

Chewy thinks about what Elsa just read to them. He tries to imagine it in his mind.

“Can you imagine two adult women playing games?” asks Chewy. “Doesn’t this photo of the 2 women laughing look silly? And yet they look like they are really enjoying their play time.” 

Tiffi can imagine it but Elsa is still struggling with the idea of adults playing games. She continues to read. 

‘In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

Play could be simply goofing off with friends, sharing jokes with a coworker, throwing a frisbee on the beach, dressing up on Halloween with your kids, building a snowman in the yard, playing fetch with a dog, acting out charades at a party, or going for a bike ride with your spouse with no destination in mind. There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

Play at work - Many dot-com companies have long recognized the link between productivity and a fun work environment. Some encourage play and creativity by offering art or yoga classes, throwing regular parties, providing games such as Foosball or ping pong, or encouraging recess-like breaks during the workday for employees to play and let off steam. These companies know that more play at work results in more productivity, higher job satisfaction, greater workplace morale, and a decrease in employees skipping work and staff turnover.’ (Source) 

“I just thought of something,” says Elsa. “I remember looking for photos from King’s offices not too long ago. I have to look them up again.” 

It doesn’t take her long to find what she’s looking for. She finds photos from their Stockholm office. Now those are neat looking offices. 

“King does encourage their employees to work in a playful environment,” Elsa says. “Maybe we all need to learn from them!”

Let’s continue - Mr. Toffee believes in Santa

Start at the beginning – Elsa learns how to play again