How to Build More Play & Fun into Your Life

As adults, the concept of "play" is often looked at as a time-wasting activity, especially if you have no kids.

But, play is essential, even in adulthood.

Play fulfills cognitive, social and emotional well-being. It's actually needed for healthy brain development.

Scientists used to think the brain stopped having plasticity as you aged. Not true, says Alexandra Jamieson, Certified Holistic Health Counselor. Your brain expands, grows and changes until the end of your life.

Play can be many things... detailed hand work, fine motor skills, or word play (crossword puzzles, scrabble). These types help you think differently and allow you to be more proactive and a better problem solver. The physiological and neurological way your brain reacts can have a huge impact on your self-control and self-discipline. 

And, play has no boundaries. 

For some people, play can mean knitting or playing a musical instrument, while for others it means jumping and running around.

Regardless of the type you prefer, it should be unstructured and with little or no cost. There is more benefit to your problem-solving skills if you use play in a rule-less way.

For instance, draw freehand instead of coloring in a coloring book. Rather than journaling your thoughts, make up a short story. 

Rough and tumble play actually spurs your brain to grow and to make new connections.

Play is about learning, exploration and active investigation. What can you discover?