Creating Space for Play as Grown-Ups and Why It Matters

Can you recall the activities that brought you the most joy and playfulness as a child? And whatever happened to recess? That 15-minute chunk of time to do nothing but play outside? Remember the freedom you felt and the fun that was had?

As children, we are naturally playful. Play is how we learn about the world, ourselves, and one another. Our natural curiosity, imagination, and creativity drive our interactions and experiences. When we are young, we live in the present and enjoy each moment for what it is. Yet, somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us lose connection with the playful parts of ourselves. At some critical point in our lives, adult systems take over and consume us, leaving little room for the curiosity, wonder, and magic that is childhood.

When Adult Systems and Responsibilities Take Over

As adults, with the competing demands of personal and professional commitments and responsibilities, time for play rarely makes it onto our to-do lists. We become so overwhelmed with the need to always be productive, accountable, and efficient that any leisure time we do have is usually spent "doing." We get caught up in the busyness and simply feel as though we do not have time for play and childhood freedoms, even if we long for them. We understand and, perhaps reluctantly, accept this as a rite of passage into adulthood—the cost of being a grown-up.

This doesn’t have to be the way. We can give ourselves permission to lighten up, be unproductive without guilt, and rediscover the power of play.

Why Play Matters

Play affords us moments of relief from the seriousness and responsibilities of daily life. It brings us to the here and now, taking us out of our heads and into our bodies.

And despite the belief that play is not a productive use of time and only for children, research highlights its significance for adults. Play can be an important source of both relaxation and stimulation for adults. Research shows that play relieves stress, fuels creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities, and facilitates happiness and well-being. Play is also a gateway to empathy, communication, and relationships. It reinforces the ties that bind us together and helps to create a sense of community. Play also helps keep us youthful and energized. Many workplaces have also integrated playful elements into the working environment to enhance employee engagement and productivity.

Inviting Playfulness Into Our Lives

The idea of reintroducing play may feel exciting for some, while for others, it may just feel like one more item on your to-do list that you need to try to fit in. The truth is, with the way many of our lives are structured, reintroducing play will take work. It’s going to take intention to prioritize play as a key element of your well-being. It will likely require you to step outside of your comfort zone and let go of what you think you "should" or "ought" to be doing instead. Once we remove some of these barriers and limitations, then we can truly experience the benefits of play.

The best part is that there are so many different ways to build play into your adult life. It is all about finding what brings you joy and excitement.

Here are some ways you can begin to welcome and integrate play back into your life:

1. Get outside. Nature is our first playground and a very wise teacher. Try getting outdoors and reigniting a sense of childlike curiosity, wonder, and awe of the natural world. Also, outdoor play typically involves movement, which is great for our physical health.
2. Reconnect with childhood passions. What were your favourite ways to play as a kid? Thinking back to what you did for fun when you were younger can serve as a good indicator of what activities might feel playful and enjoyable for you today.
3. Explore new hobbies. Is there something you’ve always wanted to try? Allow yourself to be a beginner at something new.
4. Schedule it. Consider blocking regular times in your daily or weekly schedule for play and treat it as you would any other essential task. Just imagine what interrupting your workday for 15 minutes of play each afternoon could do for your well-being and productivity. Or imagine what it would feel like to have some time in the evenings or on weekends dedicated to play—time to not take life so seriously.
5. Create spaciousness. Play does not have to be structured and organized; it can be unplanned and a bit messy. It can also be a state of mind that involves staying curious, open, and adventurous. By creating spaciousness and allowing for unstructured time, we give ourselves the opportunity to embrace play and moments of spontaneity.
6. Invite others in on the fun. Play is even more enjoyable when shared with others. Whether it’s your kids, pets, loved ones, or colleagues, bringing others into your playful activities can enhance the experience, strengthen bonds, and create lasting memories.

Final Thoughts

I think it is so important for the next generation to see adults having fun—to see their loved ones experiencing moments of joy, merriment, and silliness, and to be able to share these together—because right now, I don’t think we are painting a very great picture of adulthood for them. Over the past few years, I even began to witness my teenagers trying to meet the pace of life that society sets for us. They were working 14-hour days, training relentlessly, and never had downtime. When we occupy every moment with the "doing," there is little room for the "being." So, I acknowledged what I was seeing, and I asked if I could show them another way—a way forward where high performance, wellness, and time for play coexist. A reality where we play just as hard as we work.

This is my invitation for you, too. Can you take the pressure off for a while and prioritize play? Whether it’s a few minutes of laughter, a playful activity, or simply allowing yourself to enjoy a hobby without the weight of responsibilities, the benefits are profound. Allow yourself to be open to the present moment, embrace a sense of lightheartedness, and rekindle your joy.