When was the last time you played?

_Elsa_

‘Play is an important part of childhood … but it’s a critical component to adulthood as well! Kathleen Alfano, Child Development and Play Expert, explains the benefits that play offers people of all ages and offers some tips on how to incorporate play into your day. 

The genius of play is that it has profound benefits for all ages. Babies and young children explore their own little world and learn new things about it and themselves through play. Preschool-age and older children practice life skills and develop their bodies, minds and social skills (such as the ability to work in groups, share, negotiate and resolve conflicts) through play. Continuing through adolescence and adulthood, play contributes to be a well-rounded and joyful person. 

Play empowers people to be flexible thinkers, creative, young-at-heart and free-spirited. It provides an opportunity for pure enjoyment and doesn’t need structure. Play is free-flowing fun that unleashes our imagination. 

Having time for play is as important for adults as it is for children — so make play part of your day! Here are 10 tips for being more playful:

• Use unscheduled time to be creative, to daydream, reflect and decompress

• Appreciate playtime – whether it’s alone or with other adults or children

• Smile and laugh often throughout the day

• Try new things and experience the unexpected

• Participate in a variety of arts/sports/activities whenever you can to expand your horizons

• Make mental connections (e.g., “how else can I use this,” “what else can this do?”)

• Sing and dance just for the fun of it

• Spend time with the children in your life, observing them as they play, listening to their conversation, and following their train of thought

• Cultivate a happy, joyful, positive attitude, full of gratitude for even the smallest, everyday things

• Plan to make play part of your day, whether it is indoor or outdoor, solo or social, active or quiet’ (Source) 

Let’s continue - The importance of adult play

Start at the beginning – Elsa learns how to play again