Never underestimate the Importance
of having fun.
Randy Pausch
When told to play, a child will run out the door and start galloping around on an imaginary horse or just start playing in the dirt. Most adults, when told to play, might pause and wonder what that means. But the bottom line is it means to go and do something fun. I encourage you to try these 25 fun ways to play.
But Why Play?
We all understand the idea that you need to have some fun in order to stimulate your creativity but think that you’re playing days are over. Maybe the fun was had during childhood and now that you’re an adult all you can do is work.
But that’s not true. First, your creativity needs its own inspiration. Maybe you understand the concept but aren’t sure what counts as play? Basically, anything that isn’t your job or work around your house counts as play. Tossing a frisbee with your children or even your dog? Play. A night of laughs and cards with friends? Play. And so many other ways.
Below is a list of 25 ways to play. 25 is not even the tip of the iceberg. It’s just a small fraction of the tip of the iceberg. But hopefully you’ll use this list as a jumping-off point to create your own playful experience.
I could go on and on with this list, but I’ll stop here. Time to insert your own ideas for taking a break and having fun.
Oh my goodness – YES! Play play play all day. I totally would if I didn’t have grown-up shite to do. Some brilliant ideas here. One of my favourites is to go to the park and get on the swings. I like parks that have swings wide enough for adult bottoms to fit! 🙂 I usually only do it when I am with my grandchildren but maybe I should just go do it when I am alone too and put up with the funny looks it will inevitably bring me. And hopscotch – oh the joys of playing that in the long summer holidays of the past. Sigh.
I love swings and have no shame getting on them (the sturdy ones!)
I’ve done most of the things on the list. Here are some more that I like to do:
Go for a bike ride with your husband or friend
Go to a movie or a concert
Bake your favourite muffins
Make jam
Take an art class
Paint
Teach children to paint
Run, jog or walk , just move
Babysit your grandchild(ren)
Try new foods
Reunite with old friends from high school
Make homemade Christmas ornaments
Go to craft shows and flea markets
Take lots of photographs of your neighbourhood
All fantastic ways to recharge yourself!