The Benefits of Play
Helen McHugh, RN, BSN.
"We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing." — George Bernard Shaw
When I find play difficult, I think back to what I loved as a kid. Some of those things—cycling, swimming, and playing games—still bring me joy. I’ve also discovered new favorites like movies, live entertainment, trying new restaurants, and hiking. Play sometimes changes over time, but its importance never fades.
What is It?
Play is a voluntary activity undertaken for its own sake, with inherent attraction (it’s fun!). In play, when we are fully engaged, we lose a sense of the passage of time. We also experience a diminished consciousness of self. We stop worrying how we look. We are fully in the moment, or in “flow” (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi). Depending on the type of play, there are opportunities for creativity, exploration, and a sense of freedom.
(Brown, Stuart, Vaughan, Christopher, Play - How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul, 2009)
The Benefits of Play
I knew play was important, but I was surprised by how much it affects our health and well-being.
Reduces Stress – Play helps release endorphins, improving mood and providing a healthy escape from life’s pressures.
Boosts Creativity & Problem-Solving – Stepping away from stress to play can give us a fresh perspective. A quick dance break does wonders for me! What works for you?
Strengthens Social Bonds – Playing with others builds trust and deepens relationships.
Improves Physical Health – Active play keeps us moving, which benefits overall health and well-being.
Enhances Mental Health – It helps with focus, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of accomplishment.
A Playful Work Memory
My first nursing job was in inpatient oncology. During a casual conversation, we joked about putting goldfish in an unused bathtub on our floor for fun. A few days later, we did it! Patients and staff loved it. Sadly, our nurse manager didn’t see the fun in it, and we had to find new homes for the fish. Looking back, I realize that little moment of play lifted everyone’s spirits. In 1980, we didn’t talk much about the benefits of fun at work, but now we know better.
Play at Work
According to Stuart Brown,MD, play at work is essential. (See above reference. He covers play and work in Chapter 5, The Opposite of Play is Not Work).
What do you think of your team starting your regular meetings with a funny quote or a lighthearted moment? At the hospice and palliative care departments where I worked, we had a ritual honoring patients who had died since our last meeting, and had a moment of inspiration before our Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) meetings. What if we had also set aside 3-5 minutes for laughter or play, maybe once a month, before or after the meeting? Perhaps with a funny story or quote or something else? Would it change the energy in the room? Would it make the work feel a little lighter?
Play Outside of Work
It goes without saying, making time for play outside of work is just as important! Ask yourself:
Do you believe play at work matters? If so, is there anything that holds you back from suggesting it?
What’s fun for you outside of work?
What did you love as a kid, and do you still enjoy those things?
Is there anything that keeps you from playing when you're off the clock?
Play is essential for all of us. So be sure to make time for it. Your body/mind will love it! As well as the rest of your life!
References:
Csíkszentmihályi, Mihály (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience New York: Harper and Row.Brown, MD, Stuart (2009). Play How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul New York: The Penguin Group
Robinson, Lawrence, Smith, Melinda, Jeanne Segal, Jeanne, Shubin, Jennifer, The Benefits of Play in Adults References for this article:
Proyer, R. T., Tandler, N., & Brauer, K. (2019). Chapter 2 – Playfulness and Creativity: A Selective Review. In S. R. Luria, J. Baer, & J. C. Kaufman (Eds.), Creativity and Humor (pp. 43–60). Academic Press.
Proyer, R. T. (2012). Examining playfulness in adults: Testing its correlates with personality, positive psychological functioning, goal aspirations, and multi-methodically assessed ingenuity. Psychological Test and Assessment Modeling, 54(2), 103–127.
Proyer, R. T. (2013). The well-being of playful adults: Adult playfulness, subjective well-being, physical well-being, and the pursuit of enjoyable activities. The European Journal of Humour Research, 1(1), 84–98.
Guitard, P., Ferland, F., & Dutil, É. (2005). Toward a Better Understanding of Playfulness in Adults. OTJR: Occupation, Participation and Health, 25(1), 9–22.