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Find ways to add play into your life that work best for you . Look for activities that cause you to lose sense of time and get into a state of flow . Try clearing your schedule for an afternoon or an evening , and give yourself permission to do whatever you want . Psychiatrist Stuart Brown , founder of the National Institute for Play in California , encourages exploring your best , most joyful memories from childhood , and finding themes from your own history to explore in play as an adult .
The next time you ’ re struggling with burnout or feeling the pressure of adult responsibilities , make time for unstructured , purposeless play . Consider playtime an investment in your overall mental and physical well-being . Now you just need to give yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood .
7 WAYS TO GET OUT AND PLAY
There are so many ways to add play time to your life . Here are a few tips .
Get Moving Explore your playfulness through body movement . Sports , dance , hiking , and snowball fights are all active forms of play .
Get Curious Pick up a new hobby . Build something out of wood or Lego , learn how to sew , try a science experiment , tinker with cars , take up gardening , or teach yourself a magic trick .
Get Imaginative Letting your imagination run wild and exploring your creative side doesn ’ t require any artistic ability . Pick up a painting kit or colouring book , write poetry , start cooking , take improv acting classes , and look for open art studios in your community to make some art !
Get Social Host a games night with friends or family . Whether it ’ s board games or Mario Kart that you ’ re into , playing games can be good for your mental health and your relationships .
Go outside Spend time at a park or the beach to toss a frisbee or fly a kite . It ’ s easy to make time in nature playtime .
Get silly There is nothing quite like goofing around with kids to help you experience the joy of play . If you don ’ t have young children , arrange a playdate with your grandkids , nephews , nieces , or other young relatives .
The views and information expressed in this article do not replace the assistance of a health professional .