On the importance of playing, and how hobbies can keep us playful.
When I look back over 32 years of my career, the times that I actually was the most creative, the most productive, the most influential, and certainly the most happy, was the time I was playing.
Playfulness prioritizes engagement over external consequence, realness, or convention.
Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.
Playing has been shown to improve the mental health of adults, but most people stop in childhood.
Playfulness as an adult has many benefits for our well-being and character.
The Importance of Play for Adults: Tips for Being More Playful
[Play] is a biological drive as integral to our health as sleep or nutrition. In fact, our ability to play throughout life is the single most important factor in determining our success and happiness.
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
Playfulness should be viewed as a skill that can be developed, harnessed and used for mindfulness.
René Proyer
Although most of us stopped playing as we reached adulthood, playfulness is always within us. All we need is an opportunity to play. Hobbies can introduce this opportunity. Explore the list of play hobbies, and re-kindle the joy of play.
Each hobby page is designed to inspire and help you get started.