Playfulness in Adulthood

# Integrating Playfulness into Adult Life

I wonder how we can incorporate playfulness into our daily lives as adults. While play therapy is a well-known method for helping children, what about us adults?

The Power of Play Therapy

Play therapy promotes open communication in children, fostering strong bonds with therapists and establishing positive experiences that enhance their self-belief. There are many benefits to this approach that I won’t dive into here.

In contrast, adults often gravitate toward seriousness, using strategies to mitigate the weight of life’s challenges. While I appreciate existentialism in therapy, I believe we should balance this heaviness with the lightness of our humanity.

This reflection aims to highlight the value of integrating playfulness and humor into our lives. Let’s challenge ourselves to reach for humor, especially when we find ourselves stuck in a “professional” and “grown-up” mindset.

Benefits of Playfulness

Beyond the obvious benefits—like promoting optimism through the release of endorphins and sharing joyful moments with others—there are some subtler advantages worth noting:

1. Shifting Perspectives: Engaging in play and humor can shift our cognitive patterns. This new perspective allows us to see different aspects of life, making us more receptive to alternatives and new experiences.

2. Flexibility in Thought: Rigid thinking can lead to pessimism and a sense of “stuckness.” By fostering flexible thought through play, we can discover new ways to experience joy and improve our creativity. This flexibility enhances our problem-solving skills and heightens our sense of agency in the world.

3. Mindfulness in the Present Moment: Laughter and play help us remain anchored in the here-and-now. In a world where mindfulness is a hot topic, there’s no better way to practice than by enjoying laughter in the moment. These experiences allow us to focus on what’s happening now, reducing anxiety about the future and regrets about the past.

Acknowledging Life’s Challenges

I don’t mean to discount the realities of tragedy, trauma, and pain that exist in our world. Suffering is real and occurs every moment. However, play and humor can coexist with these heavier emotions, and it’s essential to foster joy alongside our struggles.

Both joy and pain can exist together, and nurturing the lighter side of life can lead to a healthier, more contented society.

Warmly,

Eric