Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we lost the act of playing. The act that saw us through the formation period of our lives. Playing is not just essential for growth, it is an integral part of life. While playing is important for a child’s development, it is also an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

As we grow, we often forget how to play and when we eventually carve out some leisure time, we found joy staring at the screen of our TV and computer set. We fool our brain to think we are having fun. We gossip and comment other than engaging in proper fun.

Why did we stop playing in the first instance? Do we have to stop playing just because we are adults? Adulthood comes with some degree of seriousness, but, why are we so serious and make life all about work?

It has been proven that play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the feel-good chemical which promotes an overall sense of well being. Endorphins can temporarily relieve pain. Play improves brain function, improve relationships, stimulate mind and body. 

Here are a few ways to bring back play into your life.

1. Dust off your bike and go for a ride with your kids or friends.
2. Have a dancing competition with your child.
3. Play “hide and seek”.
4. Wrestle with your kids.
5. Take a tour of your area and take some pictures of its beauty.
6. Have a picnic in the living room.
7. Build a tent with your friends.
8. Play in the rain with a group of children.
9. Let your kids do your make up.
10. Have a race with your friends.
11. Have a water fight with your children.
12. Camp out in the garden.
13. Take a silly selfie.
14. Go for a walk with a group of friends.
15. Have a tickle fight with the kids.
16. Plan a silly challenge ( ice challenge, cold water challenge etc).
17. Organise food tasting events among friends.
18. Play dress up with friends or with your children.
19. Have a cartwheel or handstand contest.
20. Grab a few Glow in the dark sticks and have a party with the sticks.
21. Have a sing-off with the kids.
22. Build a fort.
23. Plant some seeds with your kids and watch them grow. There’s joy in nurturing.
24. Organise a storytelling night and invite both old and young for good night stories.
25. Have a healthy competition playing game of football, golf, chess etc.

What do you like to play? Please share your interest.