The Importance of Play for Adults: Embracing Fun and Games

When discussing the importance of play for adults, it’s important to understand one thing: Play isn’t just for kids; it’s a fundamental human experience that adults can benefit from immensely. As we get older, we forget to play. Playfulness is hard to find and we often take ourselves too seriously.

Play is essential for adults, and there are so many different types that we can explore and connect with our inner child.

But more and more adults are recognizing the importance of play for adults. Additionally, adults are playing more often and in more diverse ways. The gaming industry has grown, especially for adults and there are more opportunities for us to play, learn and explore.

Discover more about the importance of play for adults and how it can help to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

What is Play?

There are plenty of definitions available for play, but there are three key aspects to play.

1. Play is enjoyable
2. Playing is voluntary
3. Most importantly, play is that it is done for its own sake

Why Is Play Important for Adults?

Play is a natural and vital aspect of human life, fostering exploration, creativity, and emotional well-being.

Here are some reasons why play is just as crucial for adults as it is for children:

• Playing encourages exploration and creativity, allowing adults to view the world through a fresh lens.
• Playful interactions, like joking and teasing, strengthen social bonds and communication skills.
• Play has psychological and emotional benefits, promoting happiness, reducing stress, and enhancing cognitive functions.
• At work, incorporating play can reduce negative emotions, stress, and improve group cohesion and overall work performance.
• Games and playful activities foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills, making them valuable tools for personal growth.
• Video games, when not used excessively, can have positive effects on well-being, alleviate anxiety and depression, and enhance cognitive health in older adults.
• Play promotes learning, exploration, experimentation, and the ability to see things from different perspectives.
• It encourages vulnerability, creativity, and the liberation of imagination, offering a unique opportunity to let go of control and embrace messiness.
• Additionally, video games often present challenges that require creative thinking to solve, promoting problem-solving skills.

How Do Adults Play?

Adults engage in play in diverse ways, ranging from spontaneous interactions to structured games. Here are two primary ways adults play:

• Playful Interactions: These are casual and unstructured interactions, such as joking, teasing, or engaging in witty banter with friends or colleagues. Playful interactions promote bonding and laughter.
• Structured Play (Games): Structured play involves following specific rules and objectives, often found in board games, card games, video games, and sports. These activities provide a sense of challenge and achievement.

But there are far more ways that we can play.

Types of Play

Play can take on various forms, catering to different interests and preferences:

Physical Play

Engaging in physical activities like sports, dancing, or yoga promotes fitness and well-being. Aerial yoga has brought so much more play into my life, allowing me to really embrace that inner child.

Mental Play

Solving puzzles, brainteasers, and riddles challenges the mind and enhances cognitive abilities.

Social Play

Interacting with others through board games, card games, or playful conversations strengthens relationships and social skills.

Creative Play

Engaging in various hobbies like arts, crafts, writing, or music allows for self-expression and fosters creativity.

Exploratory Play

Exploring new places, cultures, or cuisines satisfies curiosity and broadens horizons.

Imaginative Play

Role-playing, storytelling, or participating in theatrical activities lets your imagination run wild.

Why Do Adults Stop Playing?

In many Western societies, the concept of play becomes largely confined to childhood. As adults, we often prioritize responsibilities, work, and other obligations over playing.

Unfortunately, the pressures of adulthood, societal expectations, and a focus on productivity can lead to the abandonment of play as we age. Playing becomes something we feel ashamed of, rather than something we celebrate.

However, rediscovering the joys of play in adulthood can rekindle our sense of wonder, creativity, and happiness. It can ease the weight of the world.

What Age Do Most Adults Stop Playing?

The age at which adults stop playing can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and cultural factors. I used to adore playing with dolls and creating stories with them, but as soon as I hit my teenage years, it felt shameful to play. In giving up play, I lost one of my largest creative and emotional outlets.

While many people reduce their play activities as they transition into adulthood, it’s important to remember that play knows no age limit. People can reintroduce play into their lives at any stage, reaping its numerous benefits.

How Play Can Help Alleviate Anxiety and Depression?

Playing can be a powerful tool for easing anxiety and depression in several ways:

Stress Reduction

Engaging in play, whether it’s through games, creative activities, or physical exercises, triggers the release of endorphins. These happy chemicals are the body’s natural mood lifters. As a result, play for adults can significantly reduce stress levels and help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Distraction and Relaxation

Play provides a healthy distraction from negative thoughts and worries. When you’re absorbed in a game or creative pursuit, you’re less focused on anxious or depressive feelings, allowing your mind to relax.

Social Interaction

Many forms of play involve social interaction, which can combat the isolation often associated with depression. Connecting with friends or participating in group activities fosters a sense of belonging and support.

Problem-Solving Skills

Games, puzzles, and strategic activities require critical thinking and problem-solving. These mental exercises can stimulate the brain and divert it from dwelling on anxious or depressive thoughts.

Boosting Confidence

Success and achievement in play can boost self-esteem and confidence. Overcoming challenges in games or creative endeavors can provide a sense of accomplishment and mastery, which is particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with self-doubt.

Emotional Expression

Creative play, such as art, music, or writing, offers a healthy outlet for expressing and processing complex emotions. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who have difficulty verbalizing their feelings.

Mindfulness and Mind-Body Connection

There’s plenty of evidence supporting the benefits of yoga for anxiety and depression. Yoga, meditation and mindful coloring or painting are considered forms of play.

These activities encourage mindfulness and promote a stronger connection between the mind and body. This can be beneficial for individuals with symptoms of anxiety or depression, as it helps them become more attuned to their emotions and physical sensations.

Reducing Rumination

Play can redirect the mind away from repetitive negative thoughts that often accompany anxiety and depression. By focusing on the rules of a game or the process of creating something, individuals can break the cycle of rumination.

Enhancing Sleep

Engaging in physical play or relaxation exercises can improve sleep quality. Better sleep is essential for managing anxiety and depression, as lack of sleep can exacerbate symptoms.

Providing Hope and Joy

Play inherently carries an element of joy and fun. Experiencing moments of joy and happiness through play can remind individuals that positive emotions are still attainable, offering a sense of hope in the midst of anxiety and depression.

Games for Adults to Play

Ready to infuse some playfulness into your adult life?

Here’s a list of games and activities that can bring joy, laughter, and creativity to your days:

• Board Games: Gather friends for a board game night filled with classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Settlers of Catan.
• Card Games: Enjoy games like Poker, Bridge, or Uno with friends or family. There are also incredible adult card games like Cards Against Humanity, Exploding Kittens and more that are tons of fun.
• Video Games: Explore immersive video game worlds that offer exciting challenges and engaging stories.
• Escape Rooms: Test your problem-solving skills by tackling real-life escape room puzzles. I’ve only done two escape rooms, but I absolutely loved the experience.
• Scavenger Hunts: Organize or participate in scavenger hunts that encourage exploration and teamwork. I loved these hunts as a kid, and recently, I did an Alice in Wonderland-themed scavenger hunt in the city. It was tons of fun, and there were so many adults running around and playing.
• Role Playing Games: Dive into the imaginative world of role-playing games (RPGs) where storytelling takes center stage.
• MegaGames: Try your hand at mega games, large-scale interactive experiences that blend strategy and diplomacy. I have friends who absolutely adore these kinds of games and play them at least once a week.

Other options for adult play include:

• Go-Karting
• Arcades
• Obstacle Courses
• Soft play
• Waterparks
• Theme parks
• Concerts/ festivals
• Interactive photo experiences
• Bowling or darts

Prioritizing Play for Adults

Play is a vital and often underappreciated aspect of adult life. Embracing playfulness can lead to improved

Incorporating play into one’s daily life, whether through hobbies, games, or social activities, can be a valuable complement to other therapeutic approaches in managing anxiety and depression.

But just with other strategies for managing anxiety, it’s essential to find the types of play that resonate with you personally. From there, you can integrate them into your self-care routine.

So, plan a game night with your friends, head to an escape room, go to a theme park, attend a yoga class or get yourself a video game console. Discover why play for adults is so powerful.

Note: If anxiety and depression persist, seeking professional help is crucial for a comprehensive treatment plan.