So I have set the dates and begun the research! I will dedicate April 12-20 to playyyyying ;)
Even just becoming conscious of my apparent lack of play has transformed my daily activities. I have begun dancing, singing, talking to the dog, and blowing the stream of water coming out of the hose as I’m watering the garden. It’s incredible the effect intention can have on any aspect of our lives!
So as for research: I have discovered that I am not alone – many people feel that they have forgotten how to/ stopped playing. The other major discovery is how incredibly HEALTHY playing is!! It boosts creativity, reduces stress and depression, permits faster and deeper bonding with partners and friends, strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and MORE. So are you telling me the societal adage to grow up as we advance in age is actually compromising our health … well yes that’s what I’m saying.
So some out of the gate suggestions from chatting with some of my lucky friends who still play and my experimentation:
- Take pretend vacations! Yes – go out to dinner or to a bar or to an exotic locale in your area and pretend that you are on vacation. Also simply planning your dream vacation even if you can’t afford it, don’t have time, etc now boosts happiness!
- Put on upbeat music and sing along or dance (simply allow movement to organically come out – even if you label yourself a ‘non-dancer’ if no one is looking I promise your body will move in ways you never imagined if you give it the opportunity.
- Have a friend over for tea time –be ridiculous, behave like the queen of England!
As I dive head first into this hidden childhood realm I will continue sharing insights ;)
Even just becoming conscious of my apparent lack of play has transformed my daily activities. I have begun dancing, singing, talking to the dog, and blowing the stream of water coming out of the hose as I’m watering the garden. It’s incredible the effect intention can have on any aspect of our lives!
So as for research: I have discovered that I am not alone – many people feel that they have forgotten how to/ stopped playing. The other major discovery is how incredibly HEALTHY playing is!! It boosts creativity, reduces stress and depression, permits faster and deeper bonding with partners and friends, strengthens the immune system, reduces pain and MORE. So are you telling me the societal adage to grow up as we advance in age is actually compromising our health … well yes that’s what I’m saying.
So some out of the gate suggestions from chatting with some of my lucky friends who still play and my experimentation:
- Take pretend vacations! Yes – go out to dinner or to a bar or to an exotic locale in your area and pretend that you are on vacation. Also simply planning your dream vacation even if you can’t afford it, don’t have time, etc now boosts happiness!
- Put on upbeat music and sing along or dance (simply allow movement to organically come out – even if you label yourself a ‘non-dancer’ if no one is looking I promise your body will move in ways you never imagined if you give it the opportunity.
- Have a friend over for tea time –be ridiculous, behave like the queen of England!
As I dive head first into this hidden childhood realm I will continue sharing insights ;)
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