Adults Need Play Time, Too
Every year, I look forward to hosting a Halloween party for friends and family. It’s one of my favorite holidays! I really get into decorating, and last year I even hired a makeup artist to help me make my head look upside down. It all turned out amazing and great memories were made!
However, the fall season is a busy time of year in my life. I am usually in over my head between work and keeping up with my kids’ school and sports schedules. As the day of the party nears, I often have moments wondering why I put this additional task on my plate when I am already so busy.
But once I managed to sit down and the makeup artist began to work her magic, I finally slowed down enough to reflect and become mindful again about why I enjoy this holiday so much.
It’s an opportunity to play amongst the day-to-day responsibilities of being an adult. It serves no other purpose than to use creativity to be silly and have fun. The overall experience is a release.
Most people associate playing and being silly with children. It’s a part of a happy childhood when safety and security are provided for the child. The act of play encourages imagination and teaches us to balance order and rule-following with fun.
Unfortunately, some children were not provided the safe environment to experience and learn the many benefits of play. Another unfortunate scenario is that many have had it provided it, yet lost it along the way.
With that said, I encourage you to evaluate your own ability to play. How often do you let yourself take a break from your mature responsible self to play and let loose? If it’s been a long time (or never), I encourage you to carve out some time to allow yourself the experience of briefly escaping from the seriousness of your day-to-day productivity.
It might be difficult and feel odd at first. Do it anyway! Don’t know where to start? Think about what you enjoyed as a child. Was it coloring, swinging at the park, dressing up, making crafts, jumping on a trampoline, or riding your bike? If you didn’t have a childhood that allowed for much play, I suggest trying any or all of that now.
Give yourself permission to play today, and continue to practice it regularly. You won’t regret it.
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