Children are the masters of play. They play with their food, in the bath, and while doing chores. They are constantly and continually creating, pretending, moving, and manipulating objects in accepted and unconventional ways. We now know that play is as essential and important for children’s development as it is hard-wired into their beings. But what about adults? Do we grow up because we stop playing, or do we stop playing because we grow up? And what are the consequences of ‘growing out’ of play?
Turns out, neglecting play has repercussions for our health and well-being. As our responsibilities mount with age, playing often gets the short end of the stick. And, because we live in a society that values progress, purposefulness and achievement, adult play is frequently looked upon as frivolous at best, self-indulgent at worst. Yet clinical studies of humans and decades of animal research are consistent in finding that play is quantitatively good for you. According to the National Institute for Play, playing builds creativity, boosts immunity, unearths hidden talents, increases joy, fosters community, combats stress and keeps the mind sharp and nimble.
On the other hand, a life deficient in play can have dramatic consequences. Dr. Stuart Brown, clinical psychologist, founder of the National Institute for Play, and author of Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul (Avery Books, 2009), became interested in the significance of play after researching the play histories of similar men, some of whom became violent criminals. Lack of play, it turns out, proved to be a “stark and dramatic correlation” among those who became violent criminals.
In animal studies, Brown notes, restricting so-called rough and tumble play in rats leads to an inability to tell friend from foe, as well as difficulties in mating and adapting to stress. He says, “The animal research substantiates the large amount of clinical data coming out of human play studies….There are prices in the human spirit that are paid for living this way.” Or as his friend and colleague Brian Sutton-Smith said, “The opposite of play is not work, it’s depression.”
So what constitutes play? According to Brown, “Play is apparently purposeless, it takes us out of the pressure of time and is done for its own sake.” So, though one can play golf, chess or video games, specific activities don’t define play. Instead, argues Brown, play is “a state of being.” Play can be anything, really, that puts one into this state of being. Gardening, dancing, running, cooking, even reading, can be considered play, if they create that wonderful sense of timeless absorption that so defines childhood.
For maximum health benefit, Brown suggests “3-D” play, that is, play that includes movement. “Physiologically,” says Brown, “if it’s physical play, what’s happening in the brain is really remarkable.” He notes that play boosts the creation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a substance that helps the brain grow new connections. “When you get into a state of play and exercise together, that expands the connective forces in the brain. Play appears to light up the brain like almost nothing else.”
As Director of Guest Activities and Fitness at Rancho La Puerta Barry Shingle is a daily witness to the power of play. He says, “When I’m asked what Rancho La Puerta is, I always say it’s like camp for adults.” The recently constructed outdoor obstacle course and a new fitness class called ‘recess’ are good examples of how the spa integrates play. “You know,” he says, “if its not fun, its work.” Shingle adds, “Play allows us to practice taking risks, solving problems and creating solutions.”
The fun factor is an essential element of play. As Brown says, “There is intrinsic pleasure in movement… Chasing, locomotion and moving the body in rhythm with music provides joy.” Kim Watters, Fitness Manager at Red Mountain Spa adds, “Moving your body in a way that feels good and inspiring actually heals the body rather than hurts the body.” She notes, “A lot of the traditional movements in the gym encourage harder, faster, bigger, more and takes us out of the feeling of the movement. This repetitive motion is mechanical and takes the fun out of it.” On the other hand, she says, “Play is not forced, play is fun because we want to do it.”
So how do we get back to playing after months or years of drought? If a week at a spa is not an option, turn to the experts – the children or animals in your life. Watch them, interact with them, be inspired by their commitment to playing. Or, Brown suggests, “Review the cherished memories of childhood. Ask yourself, ‘what did I enjoy most?'” If the activities of your past hold no interest for your present, explore something new. Join a hiking or tennis club, try a new dance class, plant a garden, or commit to just spending a few minutes every day doing something entirely pleasurable and apparently purposeless. Schedule it if you have to. Brown urges, “Realize that it’s a personal health issue and has long term effects for our culture. We somehow have the idea that everything has to be measurable and productive, and that’s very anti-play.”
Remember, play is a natural and fundamental part of who we are as humans. Once you stoke the fire of play, you’ll find it easier to tune into this innate desire and begin to nurture it throughout your day. As Shingle says, “Adults turn everything into work, kids turn everything into play.” Reconnect with your inner kid and strive to bring play into every task, every conversation, every thought. After all, you have nothing to lose, and so much to gain.
by Tanya Triber
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