ΑΠΟΤΥΠΩΜΑΤΑ
Why do people play?
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ΑΠΟΤΥΠΩΜΑΤΑ
Nowadays play is largely absent from our everyday lives, not only due to our modern lifestyles, but also because of our ignorance of comprehending its value and the advantages that can be gained. Indeed, according to research, 2 out of 4 children and adults worldwide, instead of spending their time playing with friends and family, opt for expending their free time, isolated in front of a screen, watching time-wasting videos or talking via social media with friends. Generally speaking, play is uncountably valuable. Play is according to the Natural Institute of Play, a state, an experience of being absorbed in a suspension of the sense of time. Nevertheless, play is not only the former, but much more and the benefits that can be gained all the more.
Play can occupy a pivotal and highly beneficial role in our everyday life. When playing, we have the opportunity to interact with others or even make long lasting friendships and create unforgettable memories, as in relation to playing, cooperation, teamwork and interaction are inextricable and at the same time inevitable. Moreover, play is essential to human nature and crucial to how we grow an understanding of the world around us. While playing, we improve our critical thinking, our resilience and also our problem-solving skills, features which can mostly emerge when being forced to face challenges, bounce back from setbacks and get through obstacles, in order to achieve our goal, winning. Also not worth
being left into the background is the fact that play reduces loneliness and creates communication, through which harsh situations can be coped with, hence stronger bonds between the players are being created.
Regarding our mental health, play enables us to forget the problems, the worries and the challenges we are facing and finally relax, while at the same time induce balance between work and entertainment. Consistently, it is firmly attached to stress reduction and mind refresh. Play also stimulates cognitive development, as it encourages creativity and provides essential knowledge and understanding.
When playing, confidence is being boosted, because of the little achievements that that are made during the game. As to physical health, scientifically proven has also been the fact that play boosts our wellbeing and physical health. Play is necessary for the development of a robust and healthy body. This can be achieved while playing when developing our reflexes and flexibility. Additionally, play contributes to building a healthy brain, as studies have also indicated, by announcing that rates of growth of their brain, particularly the cerebellum, a region associated with motor control. Worth mentioning, should be also the words of George Bernard Shaw: « We don’ t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing ». Therefore, play can boost our energy and liveliness.
Ultimately, play is a truly profitable activity, which benefits not only the mental, but also the physical sector. Having mentioned all the above, it would be beneficial not only for children, but also for adults to invest creatively in their spare time, not in front of an empty screen, but playing and gaining the best and most memorable experiences with others. Play is an activity worth occupying a permanent position in everyone’ s life without any second thoughts and reservations.
( Anastasia Giagkou, c5)