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As the coronavirus pandemic continues, many of us are getting worn down from the chronic stress associated with staying healthy, caring for others, worrying about finances, and concern for our futures. While this is a grave crisis, taking out time to be childlike can be one of the best ways to cope with the stress you are experiencing.
According to writer Jared Keller, research shows that people of all ages benefit from unstructured playtime as a respite from the grind of daily life. Playing is when you engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. Research shows that play can relieve stress, boost creativity, improve brain function, and strengthen our relationships with other people.
Keller reports that play is on the decline in the United States, with negative consequences for kids and adults. A 2011 article in the American Journal of Play shows how much children's playtime has declined, and how its absence in adolescence can lead to behavior issues later in life, including depression and anxiety.
According to Peter Gray, a professor of psychology at Boston College, children's free play has been in continuous decline due to the belief that children learn best from adults, and free play with other children is a waste of time. He argues that "play, especially social play with other children, serves a variety of developmental functions, all of which promote children's mental health. In the absence of such play, children fail to acquire the social and emotional skills that are essential for healthy psychological development."
In his book Play, psychiatrist Dr. Stuart Brown MD, illustrates that "play is anything but trivial. It is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. We are designed by nature to flourish through play."
Play is not just important for kids; adults also need to play. “We don’t lose the need for novelty and pleasure as we grow up,” according to Scott G. Eberle, Ph.D., vice president for play studies at The Strong and editor of the American Journal of Play. Play brings joy. And it's vital for problem-solving, creativity, and relationships.
Play does not have consequences in the same way that real life does. When we want to blow off steam, play is an appropriate way we do it without having trouble. Play is how we can explore the world around us, experiment, and try out a new hypothesis without consequence. We can color outside the lines without people telling us the right way to go, without bosses or anybody looking over our shoulder. Play is critical not just for self-discovery and freedom, but also for joy.
Think about what you did as a child that made you happy and try to recreate that activity today. Play during coronavirus could be building a fort in your living room, dressing like a clown, having a pillow fight with family members, putting on a puppet show for friends via Zoom, finger painting, or playing with Legos. Laughter Online University offers even more ideas to experience childlike playfulness as adults.
During this crisis, re-ignite your inner child. By carving out time in your schedule to play, you'll be boosting your resilience and ability the thrive despite adversity.
Do you play? How does it make you feel?
I help individuals and teams thrive in adversity by providing practical skills and tools I developed over several decades as a U.S. diplomat in challenging environments. Visit my website to learn more about how I can help you and your team better adapt to stress and adversity. With resilience skills and tools, you and your team will be more creative, innovative, and collaborative. Resilient individuals and teams are less likely to suffer from burnout and are more open to change. Follow me on Facebook and Twitter at @payneresilience.