Making Time for Play: Reconnecting with Your Inner Child

When was the last time you allowed yourself to let go and engage in pure, unadulterated play? Not play as in mindless scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite TV show. But play that ignites your creativity, sparks your imagination, and brings back feelings of joy and wonder. For many of us, the answer to that question may be “too long ago”. As adults, we often prioritize work, responsibilities, and other “grown-up” activities, leaving little room for play in our busy schedules. But what if I told you that making time for play as an adult could have significant benefits for your well-being? And not just any type of play, but reconnecting with your inner child. Let’s delve deeper into how embracing play can bring back a little magic into our lives.

The Importance of Play

From the moment we are born, play is an integral part of our lives. It is how we learn, explore, and make sense of the world around us. However, as we grow older, these moments of pure play become fewer and further between. We get caught up in the demands of adult life, and the idea of play becomes associated with immaturity and unproductivity. But research has shown that play is crucial for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Benefits of Play for Adults

Playing as adults not only brings us pure joy and fun, but it also has numerous benefits for our overall well-being. Let’s take a look at how embracing play can positively impact various aspects of our lives:

Stress Relief

Playing engages our minds, bodies, and senses, allowing us to escape from the stressors of everyday life. It allows us to let go of our worries and be present in the moment, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Creativity and Imagination

When we reconnect with our inner child, we open ourselves up to a world of imagination and creativity. Play stimulates our brains and allows us to think outside the box, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills.

Better Relationships

Play encourages us to connect with others, build relationships, and strengthen our social skills. Whether it’s playing a board game, going to a concert, or engaging in a sport, playing with others can help us create meaningful connections and bring joy to our relationships.

Improved Productivity

Paradoxically, making time for play can actually make us more productive. Studies have shown that taking breaks for play can boost focus, creativity, and overall job performance. It can also improve our mood, making us more motivated to tackle tasks.

Reconnecting with Your Inner Child

Now that we understand the importance and benefits of play, how exactly do we reconnect with our inner child? Here are a few tips to get you started:

1. Let Go of Inhibitions

As adults, we can often be self-conscious and afraid of being judged. But when it comes to play, we need to let go of these inhibitions. Embrace your silly and carefree side without worrying about what others might think.

2. Engage in Activities That Bring You Joy

Think back to your childhood and the things you loved to do for fun. Did you enjoy playing dress-up, building forts, or drawing? Whatever it may be, make an effort to engage in those activities that once brought you joy.

3. Schedule Play Time

In our busy lives, it can be challenging to find time for play. Therefore, it’s essential to schedule playtime into our daily or weekly routines, just like we do with exercise or work commitments. It can be as simple as setting aside 30 minutes a day to engage in a fun activity.

4. Encourage Your Inner Child in Others

Playing alone can be enjoyable, but it’s even more fun with others. Encourage your friends, family, or colleagues to reconnect with their inner child and join you in activities that bring joy and playfulness.

In Conclusion

As we grow older, we may lose touch with our inner child and the joy that comes with it. But making time for play and reconnecting with that part of ourselves can have significant benefits for our well-being. By embracing play, we allow ourselves to let go, have fun, and bring back feelings of joy and wonder in our lives. So, let’s make it a priority to let our inner child out to play and reap the many benefits that come with it.