The Benefits of Play for Adults: How to Add More Joy to Your Life
- Anca Alexandra Pasareanu
- Sep 17
- 5 min read
Updated: Oct 11
Contents
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Introduction
I caught myself laughing out loud this weekend while playing a silly game with some family friends. The kind of laugh that makes your stomach ache and your face hurt from smiling. It was such a rare, delicious moment that I almost forgot how good it feels to simply play as an adult.
Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, many of us lose touch with that part of ourselves. We trade spontaneity for structure, creativity for calendars, and joy for “just getting through the day.” The truth is, the benefits of play for adults go far beyond fleeting entertainment.
Play reconnects us to our aliveness, helps us manage stress, and strengthens our relationships in ways we often underestimate.
We tend to think play is frivolous or childish, a distraction from the “real work” of life. Fun becomes something we must earn, a reward for productivity that gets squeezed into whatever small gaps our schedules allow.
But what if play wasn’t an afterthought? What if making space for joy was just as essential to our well-being as eating well, exercising, or getting enough sleep?
Why Playfulness is Key to Daily Joy
That moment of uncontrollable laughter made me realize something powerful: when I play, I let go of outcomes. I stop worrying about appearances or achievements. I’m not trying to impress anyone or prove anything. I’m simply present.
I noticed that during play, the voice in my head that’s constantly planning, analyzing, or overthinking gets quieter. There’s a lightness in the room, a connection to the people around me, and an almost childlike sense of wonder.
It made me ask myself: When did I start believing that play is only for kids? And more importantly — what would my life feel like if I made space for it every week?
That question led me to start experimenting with bringing more play into my everyday routine. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. Some days it looks like dancing in the kitchen while making breakfast, doodling with bright markers during a lunch break, or inventing silly stories in my head on a walk.
These little sparks of playfulness shift my energy and often turn an ordinary day into something lighter.
Simple Ways to Bring Play Back Into Your Life
If you’re feeling weighed down by the endless to-do list of adult life, here’s your gentle reminder: play is not a waste of time. It’s a proven tool for emotional well-being, creativity, and even productivity in the long run.
Here are a few ways to intentionally invite more play into your life:
1. Start Small and Simple
Play doesn’t require expensive equipment or hours of free time. Start with something easy and low-pressure: toss a ball with your kids, do a silly dance while your coffee brews, or try a new game with friends. The key is to do it without turning it into another task to check off your list.
2. Reconnect With Old Hobbies
Think back to what you loved doing as a child or teenager — maybe it was painting, roller skating, building puzzles, or playing a musical instrument. Pick one and reintroduce it into your week. Revisiting those activities can unlock a deep sense of nostalgia and joy.
3. Invite Others In
Play is even more rewarding when shared. Organize a game night, take a group dance class, or join a local sports league for beginners. Social play strengthens bonds and helps you connect with others beyond small talk.
4. Play Outdoors
Spending time in nature amplifies the benefits of play. Go for a spontaneous hike, skip stones at a lake, fly a kite, or join a community gardening project. Outdoor play is both a mental refresh and a physical energy boost.
5. Use Play as Stress Relief
When you’re feeling stressed, rather than pushing through, give yourself a few minutes to do something playful. Play interrupts the cycle of overthinking, reduces cortisol levels, and shifts your perspective. Even five minutes can make a difference.
The Science Behind Play and Adult Well-being
Many psychologists and wellness experts emphasize that the benefits of play for adults include reduced stress, improved problem-solving skills, and stronger emotional resilience. Play engages different parts of the brain than routine work does, sparking creativity and innovation.
Regular play also boosts mental flexibility — the ability to adapt to change, think outside the box, and approach challenges with curiosity rather than fear. In a fast-paced, high-pressure world, these are invaluable skills.
Some workplaces are even introducing “play breaks” or creative workshops to improve employee engagement. The message is clear: fun isn’t a distraction from serious work — it fuels it.
How to Bring More Fun Into Your Daily Life
If you want to integrate more joy and playfulness into your days, try setting a “fun appointment” in your calendar once a week. Treat it as non-negotiable, just like you would a work meeting or doctor’s appointment.
You can also keep a “Play Jar” — a container filled with small slips of paper, each with a fun, easy activity written on it. When you feel stuck in routine, pull one out and do whatever it says. It could be as simple as “try a new ice cream flavor” or “watch a stand-up comedy special.”
And here’s the important part: give yourself full permission to do these activities just because. Not to learn a new skill, not to impress anyone, and not because it’s “productive” — simply because they make you feel alive.
A Quote to Go By
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” — George Bernard Shaw
Play isn’t just for children—it’s a source of vitality, creativity, and joy at every age. When we give ourselves permission to laugh, explore, and be curious, we keep our spirits alive and our perspectives fresh.
A Question for the Reader — Your Turn to Reflect
What would happen if you allowed yourself to play more as an adult this week?
Would you feel lighter? More connected? More creative? Take a moment to imagine what one playful act could look like for you in the next few days — and then go try it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can adults make time for play in busy schedules?
The best way to make time for play as a busy adult is to schedule it intentionally, just like any other important appointment. Small shifts like adding a “fun break” to your calendar or using a “Play Jar” with spontaneous activity ideas can keep joy alive in everyday life.
Why is play important for creativity and problem-solving?
Play and creativity in adulthood are closely linked because play engages different parts of the brain than routine tasks. It enhances mental flexibility, sparks innovation, and helps adults approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear.
How can play strengthen relationships in adulthood?
Social play for adults — such as game nights, group dance classes, or shared hobbies — builds deeper connections, increases trust, and makes relationships feel more joyful and supportive. Shared laughter creates long-lasting bonds.
