Five minute frolic fests throughout the day can help to stimulate creativity and energy, often making work more enjoyable.  As humans are designed to engage in play throughout their lifetimes, the lack of it can take its toll on the immune system, levels of optimism and happiness, as well as a decreased sense of connectedness in relationships.   Just as our genetic blueprint requires that we sleep, play is also a necessity for health and longevity.

What were your favorite games and activities while growing up?  As adults we’ve often given play a bad rap.  Seems like it’s high time to reconsider play’s benefits and significance:

•The perks of play- (besides unabashed joy), develops critical thinking, talents, enthusiasm, testing of new (emotional and physical) frontiers, creating a sense of relaxation (thereby reducing stress), and greatly enhances the “how to” of building and maintaining social relationships.

•Frivolous fun – a fertile ground for novelty, curiosity, exploration, and risk taking, coupled with unfettered enjoyment (keep in mind that depression is considered to be on the opposite end of the spectrum from play).

•The play’s the thing –thrillingly running the gamut from humor, rough and tumble activities, sports, hobbies, games, acting, and flirtation- pick the ones that most appeal to you and just do it!

•Revitalizes relationships – the ability to share jokes, stories, ironies, and fantasies all help to create bonds between individuals; sharing lighthearted and funny happenstances without a purpose other than enjoyment celebrates our humanity.

•Get those creative juices flowing – play inspires “outside the box” thinking, changing the rules, challenging the status quo, stimulating the imagination, while at the same time being a great stress reliever.

•Feel the “flow” – akin to a quasi-meditative state when completely immersed in satisfying and pleasurable activities.

•Zest and zaniness – from “crazy” ideas to suspending belief when engaged in story telling, plays, or novels, learn to embrace the wonderfully wacky; the ultimate antidote when “life is tough”.

•Nix the quick fix -  rather than umpteen cups of coffee, energy drinks or a variety of stimulants that, after the initial boost, ultimately leave you feeling drained, do something (even for a few minutes), that guarantees joy, laughter and fun.

•Limiting conflict and violence – throughout childhood and onward, play provides healthy socialization skills and alternatives to violent and angry responses, reducing clashes, quarrels and worries.