Unleash your Inner Child to Re-Ignite Your Fire
In my work as a neuroeducator, I come across stories about our miraculous mind that fire my curiosity. Every week, I share my thoughts about how to work smart to amplify your organic potential, develop a growth mindset, and foster your brain health. I hope you enjoy them! (scroll down to read more)
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Have you lost your sense of wonder?
Play is not just for children; it can also have significant benefits for adults, including professionals.
It may seem counterintuitive, but forgoing play might actually hinder your mental productivity.
Watching children play on the beach with absolute zest and joy for the castle they were building, I thought about how children laugh up to 300 times per day. Adults only laugh an average of 17 times a day. Despite the fact that the benefits of play and laughter are well-documented, adults simply don’t indulge themselves in it as often as they should.
But, I get it.
Play gets lost easily in the demands of adult life. The responsibilities of work, looming deadlines, financial worries and limited time for social interaction takes a toll. But, is it really wise to forgo it when you consider the benefits?
Here are some fun facts about laughter:
15 minutes of laughter equals the benefit of 2 hours of sleep
Laughing for 15 seconds adds 2 days to your life span.
One good belly laugh burns off 3 1/2 calories.
Need more evidence?
Here are 8 ways play positively impacts the brain:
Stress Reduction: Play, whether it's engaging in a hobby, playing a sport, or simply having fun, triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can be particularly important for professionals who may face increased stress in their work or personal lives.
Enhanced Cognitive Function: Play activities stimulate various regions of the brain, including those responsible for creativity, problem-solving, and memory. Engaging in playful activities can help improve cognitive function and mental agility, which is essential for professionals to stay sharp and adaptable in their careers.
Social Connection: Play often involves interaction with others, fostering social connections and a sense of belonging. Post-COVID professionals may face isolation or loneliness due to remote workplaces. Engaging in group play activities can help combat these feelings and promote mental well-being.
Emotional Resilience: Play encourages emotional expression and regulation. It allows individuals to explore their emotions in a safe and enjoyable manner, which can be especially helpful for any professionals dealing with life changes.
Physical Health: Play can be physically active, such as engaging in sports or outdoor games, which contributes to overall physical health. Maintaining physical fitness is vital for any of us wanting to sustain energy levels and maintain our quality of life.
Creativity and Innovation: Play often involves thinking outside the box and trying new things. Encouraging play in the workplace can enhance creativity and innovation, valuable traits for professionals in various fields.
Learning and Adaptability: Play can involve learning new skills or trying new activities. This fosters a growth mindset and a willingness to embrace change, both of which are crucial for professionals seeking to adapt to quickly evolving work environments.
Mental Health: Play has been linked to improved mental health outcomes, including reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. For those transitioning to a new occupation or shifts in their current field, engaging in playful activities can provide a positive mental boost.
Bottom line? Play is important for optimal mental performance. How fun is that?
In my research on brain health, I came to recognize that my concept of responsibility has been negatively influenced by the overwork culture that dominates our society.
The rewards of play are almost immediate. At the end of a busy day, I went to the hula class wondering if I would have the energy to get through it. By the time I finished an hour and a half later, I was light hearted, felt rejuvenated, and smiled all the way home. All kinds of dance are fun and a great workout, not to mention considered a top brain booster by Harvard psychiatrist, Dr. John Ratey, M.D.
Whatever brings out the inner child in you, consider doing it. It is time well spent.
Whether taking up a new hobby, participating in community sports or clubs, engaging in board games or puzzles, practicing mindfulness and meditation, or exploring creative outlets like painting, music, or writing, you will begin to find that spark of being a kid again.
In the workplace, employers can encourage play to improve productivity.
Team-building activities, gamified learning programs, or designated break areas with games and activities are just a few ways employers can debunk the antiquated idea that work must not be funny business. Executive coach, Reina Bach, highlighted recently that “happy is a good business decision.” She shared an article in Inc. that said happy employees work harder, smarter, and at higher levels of performance according to research by Harvard Business professor, Arthur C. Brooks.
Break those societal rules that lead to burnout.
By recognizing the benefits of play and actively incorporating it into our lives we can enhance our overall well-being, maintain cognitive vitality, and enjoy a fulfilling and balanced life as we skip through life.
Unleash your inner child. It is still there waiting to play. (giggle)
To hear more about how to optimize your most important business asset, I invite you to attend my workshop in Denver at the Biz + Life Con Summit on October 20, 2023. Experience two days of incredible content delivered by powerful and wise women in business. “In its sixth year, the fall event provides peer-to-peer experiential learning, connecting, and a helluva lot of fun!”
Click here to register
The word on this sign, Hau’oli, means “happy” in Hawaiian. The sign was posted on this tree stump as a reminder to like-minded lovers of play, an aspect of Hawaiian culture I love.
Strains from the song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin went through my head when I saw it and hope it does the same for you. This photo was taken after a steep hike down to the Pololu Valley floor of the Big Island, Hawaii.