Is Play a Part of Your Life?

Play is critical for our health. And it is something I haven’t been very good at, making sure it was part of my life. But now that I realize the positive impact it has on our health, I am. According to Brene’ Brown, “I now understand that play is as essential to our health and functioning as rest. 

Stuart Brown, M.D, founder of the National Institute for Play and co-author of Play. How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul says, “A lack of play should be treated like malnutrition it’s a health risk to your body and soul.” 

So, what exactly constitutes play? Brown says there are seven characteristics of healthy play:

1. Purposeless (done for its own sake)
2. Voluntary
3. Inherent attraction
4. Freedom from time
5. Diminished consciousness of self
6. Improvisational potential
7. Continuation desire 

The opposite of play isn’t working. Instead, it is depression, states Brown. We have anecdotal evidence that the brain works better with enough play. We feel more optimistic and more creative. 

How can you start playing regularly?

DISCLAIMER

Please be aware, that all the materials and content on this website are for general information only and are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users of this website should not rely on the information provided for their health needs. All specific questions should be presented to your healthcare provider(s).

1. Brene’ Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection, Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, p. 100
2. Stuart Brown, M.D., with Christopher Vaughn, Play. How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, p. 215
3. Play p. Stuart Brown, M.D., with Christopher Vaughn, Play. How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, p 17
4. Stuart Brown, M.D., with Christopher Vaughn, Play. How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, p. 126 and 43