queen of connection | Shelby L. Phillips

5 Ways to Add More Play To Your Day

July 24, 2012 at 7:41 pm Leave a comment

Dr. Stuart Brown has spent much of his career studying the benefits of play for adults. He says we shouldn’t just set time aside to play, instead we should infuse each moment with it!

I love that. But how do I do that? Really do that? Especially when I have a propensity for the serious side of life? Shocking I know, but true nonetheless.

I have given this a great deal of thought and have started creating my own list of things I can do to infuse more play into my day. Much of this involves stopping what ever else I am doing — working, over thinking something, getting frustrated, you know, being human — and taking a moment to presence myself. And sometimes that’s a big deal all on it’s own.

I thought I would share my list with you. Who knows, perhaps we all may find a little more joy because of it.

1. Hug your child. I mean really stop what you’re doing and hug your baby. Take pride in knowing that you made this incredible little being full of wonder and curiosity. They are gifts to be cherished.

2. Go outside, be in nature. Take a break and go outside for a breather at the very least. If possible go play ball, take a walk, smell a flower. You can take 10 minutes for yourself no matter how busy you are!

3. Do a happy dance. We all have one inside of us. Get up from your desk and shake your tail feathers. Sure, it may feel silly at first, but that’s the idea. Allow yourself to be silly and get those endorphins flowing.

4. Watch an animal play. Animals have a remarkable ability to make us smile. If you’re a pet owner, you already know what I mean. So take a moment and enjoy the little critters in your life. If you don’t have your own, visit the dog park, pet store, kitten adoption or volunteer at a dog shelter. There are so many animals around us, one is bound to tickle your funny bone if you let it.

5. Smile at your reflection. You’ve heard people say, “Smile at a stranger.” Well, I say, “Smile at your reflection.” We see our reflection everywhere, so why not smile at it! It’s in my computer screen right now!!! Hello!!! It’s just makes you laugh. It’s about creating a playful relationship with yourself. So when you pass by the mirror, the framed art work, the store front window and the TV screen and you see yourself, give a little smirk. It’s like saying hello to an old friend on the street.

Entry filed under: Celebrations, Play. Tags: celebration, celebrations, connection, what is play.