You know what is missing in most people from ages 8-80? I will give you 3 guesses. What did you come up with?
Play.
Did you know that many kids today have forgotten how to play? Seriously. You can put them outside and they will now know what to do. Our children are constantly guided by teachers, coaches, and electronics on what to do so they need to be guided during play as well. We don’t allow them to play, so they don’t know how.
How about you? When was the last time you just played? Hide and go seek, kickball, four square, capture the flag, etc… And it doesn’t have to be physical play. Founder of the National Institute for Play, Dr. Stuart Brown, includes art, books, movies, music, comedy, flirting, and daydreaming under the play umbrella.
Dr. Brown did an excellent TED Talk called Play is more than just fun. Very interesting the correlation of play and mass murderers.
As adults we get away from the things we used to love as a kid. We have to pay taxes, climb the corporate ladder, and keep up with the Joneses. No time for silly things that don’t make money. We have to have a purpose in everything we do.
There is a reason we add aspects of play into our boot camps. Because it is sorely needed! Play can:
-relieve stress
-improve brain function
-boosts creativity
-improve relationships
-increase resistance to disease
- increases energy levels
One day I am going to offer an Adult Recess class on Saturday mornings. I will let you know when that starts, it will be epic.
Until then, I have some homework for you. Find 3 times this week to play. Play with your spouse, your child, your pet, or some unsuspecting stranger at the office. Be silly, use your imagination, and stop taking yourself so seriously!
We are only on this Earth for a short time, don’t spend all of those precious moments being unhappy.
