Play More and Stress Less

When was the last time you played? As a verb. Played. 

Here is the definition: Play – /plā/ -engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.

Play is an important part of early development in children, however, it often becomes non-existent as we age. We get way too serious about stuff way too soon. 

Things that should be “played” get too competitive, too serious, and not fun. 

Take exercise for example. People exercise for a “serious” goal, like losing weight or gaining muscle. Both of those things are fantastic reasons to exercise and are an important part of being healthy. 

Despite the importance of the activity and the compelling and serious reason to exercise people just aren’t good at sticking with it. 

Why is that?  

Is it because it is too hard? Maybe. 

Is it because it is no fun? Maybe. 

But what if those things weren’t mutually exclusive? What if things could be simultaneously hard and fun? 

That is what play does! 

What are you doing in your life that is too hard and not any fun? Is it work? A business venture? A relationship? 

Ask yourself this question: am I taking this too seriously? Or, better yet, can I make this less serious? 

How can you play more? How can you take serious things and make them more enjoyable? 

Next time you have a stressful business meeting, try calling it a playdate. See what happens. 

Life despite its seriousness is meant to be enjoyed. Play more and it will be fun even when it is hard.