Exercising The Self-care Called Playtime.

Prompt Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?

Bloganury, 2024 day 2

Apostle says, “Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the job.” Similarly, the proverb says “Hard work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” You must have heard at least one of the two proverb before, I hope. when I saw the prompt for day 2 I thought immediately of proverb number 2.

It might even be the most frequently go to phrase in response to the prompt, but, we move on.

Play Word blocks. (Courtesy of WordPress’ free library)

We associate the word playtime with children only but adults should have a little playtime too.

In today’s society we tend to be caught up in the get the bag era so much that people seem not to have time to stop and “smell the roses“ no more or hardly so!

Same coin, two sides!

Come to think of it, it might very well be complete opposite or a mixture of. Hear me out…. Millennials and or older vs generation Z. Millennials and older have the mindset of “work hard now, play later” while GenZ steps in: “eight hours work day, work for seven, play for one.” (Just an example) Then again, ‘hindsight is 2020’ (currently 4 years post) and there’s a culture shift. We are now seeing more people give in to the method of generation Z, incorporating playtime in their schedule for a more healthier lifestyle (habit). At las, same coin, two sides just different shapes.

The Benefit of Playtime

Of course, all my efforts not to include the psychology girl in me failed and so I allowed the input. – She briefly consults google.

According to a helpguide article – The benefit of play in adults ;

“Adult play is a time to forget about work and commitments, and to be social in an unstructured, creative ways.” Additionally, they pointed out that, “While play is crucial for a child’s development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages.”

Playtime in adults is a good way to:

1. Improve brain function. Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.

2. Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. Young children often learn best when they are playing—a principle that applies to adults, as well. You’ll learn a new task better when it’s fun and you’re in a relaxed and playful mood. Play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems.

3.Keep you feeling young and energetic. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Play can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you function at your best.

(To name a few; read article to learn more. Written by Robinson, L., Smith, M; etal)

Thoughts…

As we encourage playtime, let’s also remember those who for whatever reason – sickness or other limitations. Those who want to but just cannot do as frequent as they would really love.

As I write this, I recall having a conversation on my podcast,”Power Nugget with RTH” with a community member and fellow blogger from Adventures from Elle: in her professional hat as a medical doctor, (paraphrasing) said;

“As long as you’re moving that’s all that matters. It doesn’t have to be nothing big. No matter how small, just move”

(September, 2023)

Listen episode 26: DocTouring Adventures From Elle with Dr. Rochelle Knight
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Concluding the session

Playtime has no age group. However, it comes in different sizes to fit uniquely. Personally, I love the outdoors Unfortunately, given infrastructure hurdle I sometimes face, it’s not ideal, but when I’m out there, a ball and a woop would be nice. Until then, I’ll stay inside and find ways to utilize my phone to build my brain muscles or exercise my thinking cap.

In general, think of playtime as a form of self-care. Just like your scheduling of your (frequent) massage, facials manicure and pedicure, movie dates, reading a book (whatever you do to show yourself, care) in the same way, do it for your inner child. Don’t play with time but have fun!

I hope you found this fun to read. Til next time; I appreciate you for reading!