The Forgotten Art of Play: 5 Steps to Create More Fun!

When was the last time you had fun? You know, fun, the sheer delight of doing something you love just for you? If your response is that you can’t remember, you are not alone.  Most of us have forgotten the art of play. I think it is time we rediscovered it again, don’t you? 

Having fun with no agenda, to enjoy the moment, doing whatever you wanted because it brought you joy is play. The problem is that it’s undervalued in our culture and despite our best intentions ‘adulting’ gets in the way of ‘playtime’.  Life is hectic and stressful, there is no denying it. However, our health is at risk unless we do something, like prioritise play.  Play is vital for a flourishing life! 

Benefits of play

The benefits are numerous; play decreases stress, depression, and overwhelm. Play boosts self-esteem, resilience, and hope. Play creates deeper feelings of satisfaction, meaning and a positive mindset. 

Recently I got a puppy, Rosie. She has shown me how to play again. A bundle of energy, her need to play demands that I get involved and has brought a fresh level of fun into my life. I’m laughing more, enjoying Rosie’s antics, motivated to take her for walks and optimistic about the future. All this from just having fun. 

While it was Rosie who taught me the benefits of play, a puppy is not the answer for everyone. Which brings me to the question, what is play?

What is play?

Play means many things to different people.  My 6-year-old niece says play is anything that is fun, and fun is anything she likes to do. Psychologist Peter Gray says play is something you want to do, for you and no one else, with the sole purpose being for your enjoyment and fun.  It doesn’t have strict rules, but it must ignite some form of self-expression.  

As a professional singer and teacher there are days when singing no longer comes from a place of joy, it’s work. So I joined a community choir. At choir there is no pressure to perform, just sing and have fun. In essence, play. 

This was the best thing I could do for my singing. The joy I found at choir has flown through to my professional and personal life.  I’m happier, more confident, and take myself a lot less seriously. It’s amazing what play has done for me, and you may wonder, what could it do for you? 

5 Steps to Create More Fun! 

 1.     Create a Playlist 

 I’m not talking about curating a list of songs on Spotify (although for you that might be play), but a list of activities you enjoy. Writing this list will help you discover what play is to you. Don’t overthink it, there is no right or wrong activity, this list is for you and you alone.

Here are some ideas: 

·       Go for a walk 

·       Visit an art gallery 

·       Create a piece of art / music / craft 

·       Have a kitchen dance party

·       Listen to a podcast 

·       Spend time with loved ones.

2.     Make your Play Plan

Next, use your playlist to design a play plan, here’s how: 

·       Pick an activity from your playlist to do for the next 6 weeks and write it down. 

·       Create 3 actions you need to take to do the activity. E.g. Singing Lessons:

1.     Research singing teachers

2.     Book a trial lesson

3.     Attend the lesson.

3.     Schedule Playtime

This step puts the idea of play into action. Open your calendar and schedule the actions from your play plan.  

For the best results I suggest scheduling play for 30-90 minutes a week (or 5-10 minutes a day) for 6 weeks. 

4.     Play

Now you are ready to play! 

Have fun as you make your way through your playlist and rediscover your playful self.  It’s not easy to put time aside or step outside of your comfort zone, but it will be worth the effort.

5.     Reflect & repeat!

As your 6-week play plan comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the experience. What did you observe?

If you enjoyed your activity, you may want to continue with this and maybe consider adding another activity to extend your playtime and create even more fun in your life.

I would love to hear about your journey, and how the playlist has worked for you, leave me a comment below. 

References:

Boniwell, I. & Tunariu, A. D. (2011). Positive psychology: Theory, research, and applications (3rd ed.). Open University Press. https://books.google.com.au/books?id=0Oja5sDT72oC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false

Gray, P. (2008). The value of play I: The definition of play gives insights, freedom to quit is an essential aspect of play's definition. Psychology Today. Retrieved from: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/freedom-learn/200811/the-value-play-i-the-definition-play-gives-insights

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