There was a time when your biggest concern was whether your blanket fort had enough pillows or if your crayons could survive another masterpiece on the kitchen wall. Play was the heartbeat of life, the default setting, the thing you never had to schedule.
And then, somewhere between childhood and now, play disappeared.
Adulthood arrived with its serious suitcases—deadlines, responsibilities, bills, and that never-ending email inbox. Play became something that belonged in the past, like juice boxes and recess. But here’s the truth: we never actually outgrow the need for play. We just forget how to do it.
So, let’s remember.
Wait, Adults Actually Need Play?
Yes. And not just in a "haha, wouldn’t it be fun if we jumped in a bouncy house" kind of way. Play isn’t just about being silly—it’s about rewiring your brain for joy, creativity, and stress relief.
Think about it. What happens when kids play? They’re fully present. Their minds aren’t spinning with to-do lists. They’re in the moment, completely immersed in the magic of whatever they’re doing.
And isn’t that what we, as adults, are constantly chasing? That feeling of being here, now, without the weight of the world pressing down?
The “Grown-Up” Excuses (And Why They’re Wrong)
"I don’t have time to play."
"I wouldn’t even know where to start."
"It feels weird."
All of these excuses make sense. We’ve spent years training ourselves to believe that time must always be spent producing something—work, progress, accomplishments. Play, on the other hand, doesn’t have an immediate outcome. It doesn’t add to your resume. It doesn’t make you money.
But what if it makes you happier, healthier, and better at everything else you do?
Reclaiming Play (Without Feeling Like an Idiot)
The good news? You don’t need to dust off your old toy chest or sign up for recess to get play back in your life. You just need to relearn the art of doing things for the pure joy of it.
Remember the last time you laughed so hard you couldn’t breathe? That was play.
Ever danced around your kitchen while cooking? Play.
Built a fort with your kids (or your pets)? Play.
Had a conversation that took a ridiculous, hilarious turn? Play.
The truth is, play has never actually left you—it’s just been waiting for you to notice it again.
The Sneaky Ways Play is Still Part of Your Life
Have you ever looked at a dog chasing its tail and thought, Man, must be nice to live that carefree? But what if I told you that you can? Okay, maybe not by running in circles (unless that’s your thing), but by finding small, daily moments that bring you that same unfiltered joy.
Let’s take something simple, like your couch.
Ever sprawled out on the floor like a starfish because your couch cushions were suddenly the best bed ever? Have you ever rearranged your living room just because? Sat in a giant pillow nest with a book or a snack, ignoring the outside world?
Boom. That’s play. You’re doing it already—you just haven’t been calling it that.
What if your modular couch became the centerpiece of a weekend fort-building challenge? Not just for your kids—for you. Picture this: a night where screens are off, snacks are involved, and you’re sitting in the coziest, most ridiculous setup ever, letting your mind relax into a space where nothing matters but comfort and creativity.
You might roll your eyes at the idea now, but wait until you’re nestled inside with a book, a glass of wine, or a movie. Tell me you don’t feel like a kid again.
How Play Changes Everything
The more you let yourself play, the more you realize how much you needed it. Your stress levels go down. Your creativity skyrockets. Even your relationships feel lighter because laughter and spontaneity start creeping back in.
And here’s the wildest part: it makes you better at handling life.
Play isn’t an escape from reality—it’s a way to recharge so you can actually enjoy reality. It makes the hard stuff easier to deal with. It reminds you that joy isn’t something you have to earn.
Stop Waiting for Permission
No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, you should play more.” You have to decide that for yourself. You have to shake off the idea that life has to be serious all the time.
So go ahead. Build that ridiculous fort. Try painting again, even if you suck at it. Get lost in a conversation that makes absolutely no sense. Let yourself laugh at something stupid.
Play isn’t childish—it’s human. And you, my friend, deserve more of it.
So… what are you going to do today just for fun? 😊
