With the temperatures slowly climbing, I have been thinking about the natural inclination we have this time of year to open our doors and venture out. As the world shakes off winter’s chill and bursts into color, spring invites us to step outside, breathe deeply, and embrace a sense of renewal. While children naturally respond to this shift with play—running through fields, climbing trees, and chasing butterflies—may adults forget that play is just as essential for them.
In our busy, responsibility-filled lives, play is often dismissed as frivolous, something we “grow out of.” But research suggests that play is vital for mental health, creativity, and overall well- being at any age (Brown & Vaughan, 20009). And what better time to rediscover play than spring, when nature itself seems to be celebrating?
THE SCIENCE OF PLAY AND WHY ADULTS NEED IT
Play isn’t just about having fun; it has profound benefits for the brain and body. Studies show that engaging in playful activities:
*Reduces stress by lowing cortisol levels and boosting mood-enhancing endorphins. Playful activities lower cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing dopamine and endorphins, improving mood and resilience (Siviy & Panksepp, 2011).
*Strengthens relationships by fostering connection and laughter. Shared play fosters trust and cooperation in relationships (Gordon, 2014).
*Encourages creativity and problem-solving by allowing the mind to think freely and experiment. Play encourages flexible thinking and innovation by activating Neural pathways associated with learning and adaptability (Bateson & Martin, 2013).
*Promotes physical health by getting us moving in enjoyable, low-pressure ways. Outdoor play improves cardiovascular health, mobility, and overall fitness (Burghardt, 2011).
SPRINGTIME INVITATIONS TO PLAY
Spring provides the perfect backdrop for rekindling our playful spirit. Here are a few ways to embrace the season with a sense of fun:
1. Move Like a Kid Again–Run through a meadow, balance on a log, hop on a swing, or ride a bike with no destination in mind. Let movement be about joy, not just exercise. Research shows that engaging in movement purely for enjoyment leads to long-term motivation and adherence (Rhodes & Kates, 2015).
2. Get Your Hands Dirty—Nature-based play has been linked to lower stress levels and increased happiness (Bratman et al., 2015). Plant flowers, dig in the dirt, or make a bouquet of wildflowers. Engaging with nature through touch can awaken a childlike sense of wonder.
3. Play with Art—Draw with sidewalk chalk, paint outside, or press flowers between the pages of a book. Let go of the need for perfection and just create.
4. Engage in Lighthearted Competition—Games spark dopamine release, which boosts motivation and engagement (Howard-Jones, 2011). Play frisbee, start a game of tag, or try your hand at a spring scavenger hunt. Games help us reconnect with the sheer delight of doing something for the fun of it.
5. Go on a Micro-Adventure—Exploration fuels curiosity and mental rejuvenation (Kuhn & Gallinat, 2014). Take a spontaneous day trip, explore a new hiking trail, or simply wander with a plan. The act of exploring, even close to home, can reignite a playful mindset.
6. Laugh and Be Silly—Laughter reduces stress, strengthens immunity, and enhances social bonds (Martin, 2001). Watch something that makes you laugh, make up a goofy dance, or play with a pet. Laughter and silliness can be the quickest way to shake off stress and reconnect with joy.
GIVING YOURSELF PERMISSION TO PLAY
One of the biggest barriers to play for adults is the belief that it’s “wasting time.” But in reality, play is deeply productive—it fuels creativity, strengthens resilience, and help us approach life with more light-heartedness. Play isn’t about maturity, it’s about staying open to joy, curiosity, and spontaneity.
Stuart Brown, PhD, a leading play researcher puts it: “The opposite of play is not work. The opposite of play is depression”.
This spring, give yourself the gift of permission to let go, to be curious, to embrace joy for its own sake. Step outside, take in the colors, and let yourself play. The world is waking up—why not wake up your playful side, too?
Questions for Reflection
1. When was the last time you truly played-without an agenda or goal?
2. What activities make you lose track of time and feel completely immersed?
3. How did you play as a child, and how does that compare to how you “play” now?
4. How does society view play for adults, especially women? Do you feel pressure to be productive instead?
5. What messages did you receive growing up about play and leisure?
6. Do you think women feel more guilt/shame about prioritizing play than men? Why or why not?
7. How does play contribute to your emotional and physical well-being?
8. What are the biggest obstacles that keep you from playing more?
9. How does play affect your relationships?
10. If time, money, and responsibilities weren’t an issue, what kind of play would you prioritize?
11. How can you integrate more play into your daily or weekly routine?
References
Bateson, P., & Martin, P. (2013). Play, Playfulness, Creativity and Innovation. Cambridge University Press.
Bratman, G.N., Hamilton, J.P., Hahn, K.S., Daily, G.C., & Gross, J.J. (2015). Nature experience reduces rumination and subgeneal prefrontal cortex activation. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences,
112 (28), 8567-8572.
Brown, S., & Vaughan, C. (2009). Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Avery.
Burghardt, G.M. (2011). Defining and recognizing play. The Oxford Handbook of the Development of Play.
Gordon, G. (2014). Well played: The origins and future of playfulness. American Journal of play, 6(2), 234- 256.
Howard Jones, P (2011). The neuroscience of creativity and play. Neuroeducation: Research & Practices, 2(1), 15-22.
Kuhn, S., & Gallinat, J. (2014). The neurobiology of adventure. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 10-18.
Martin, R.A. (2001). Humor, laughter, and physical health: Methodological issues and research findings.
Psychological Bulletin, 127 (4), 505-519.
Rhodes, R.E., & Kates, A. (2015). Can the affective response to exercise predict future exercise participation?Psychology of Sprot and Exercise, 16, 17-32.
Siviy, S. M., & Panksepp, J. (2011). In search of the neurobiological substrates for social playfulness in mammalian brains. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 35(9), 1821-1830.