The work/play Conundrum
It’s not really rocket science. Having fun makes life easier and more enjoyable to live. Yet for a lot of people fun and in particular, play, often ends up an extracurricular activity saved for the weekends, secondary to work. Or worse, perhaps not even at all. The common phrase ‘work first, play later’ reflects a generally held belief about play: that it must come after work, that it cannot be done at the same time as work, and that you must somehow earn the right to do it.
We assume that ‘fun’ and ‘productivity’ don’t go together, and that if you have fun in your job, you can’t possibly be working hard enough, or your job is not serious
If you ask any random person when was the last time that they played, chances are you’ll find them hesitating, and scratching their heads.
Somewhere along the lines, serious work has become synonymous with working ‘hard’ and being serious. We assume that ‘fun’ and ‘productivity’ don’t go together, and that if you have fun in your job, you can’t possibly be working hard enough, or your job is not serious.
In a world where stress (for tips to manage stress check out my blog 5 Tools to Reduce The Effects of Stress Now), is fast becoming the biggest health problem on a global scale, we need ways to relax and soothe our bodies and minds like never before. And play does just that.
Adult Play
In developmental theories, play is considered a crucial part of a child’s upbringing as it helps form their cognition, motor skills and learning. And so we tend to associate play with kids activities. Yet, it seems we have forgotten that we continue to develop and grow as human beings until the day we die!
If you google ‘the effects of play’, the only texts that come up are related to children, developmental theories of upbringing and parenting. This reflects our views that play is for children, despite the fact that play has great, and in my opinion, necessary, benefits for adults.
Definition of play: A physical or mental leisure activity that is undertaken purely for enjoyment or amusement, and has no other objective
Play Therapy UK
On a positive note, if you google ‘adult play’, surprisingly, you don’t get a thousand hits for adult porn sites, but instead texts reflecting a growing trend of adults seeking out play. Adult playgrounds are starting to pop up around the world, and will surely be a thing of the future. (Or try yoga! Check out 10 Brilliant Reasons To Do Yoga).
Play provides us with an outlet, it helps reduce worry, and is a means of physical and mental release of tension. As well as a chance to break out of boring habits, and to bring some light, spontaneity and adversity into our minds and movements. If you remember the last time you bounced on a trampoline, you might recall the oddly liberating feeling of moving around in a fun and carefree way, with no purpose whatsoever for a moment or two.
The Problem with Goals
Play Therapy UK defines play like this: ‘a physical or mental leisure activity that is undertaken purely for enjoyment or amusement, and has no other objective.’ This statement already clinches with the competitive nature of many activities, sports and work-life today, in which we are often encouraged, or required, to constantly measure our performance and set goals.
Let’s be clear that there is nothing wrong with setting goals in itself. Yet, in my practice as a physical therapist and health coach, I am seeing more and more adults who are unhealthily stressed, worried, unable to relax and who report feelings of guilt and anxiety if they are not somehow being ‘productive’ all the time.
Many people simply struggle to justify to themselves any activities that do not have a direct purpose, such as play. Ironically, the moments when we play and relax, are often exactly where we generate our best ideas and receive our strokes of insight. In this way, play can turn out to be the best thing you did for your own productivity, and not least: health and happiness.
Ways to have more PLAY in your life:
- Do something – anything – without having an agenda
- Try a yoga class! In many ways the practice of yoga reminds us to have fun, carry out a sports activity without competition, and to not take ourselves too seriously (check out 10 Brilliant Reasons To Do Yoga)
- Think of how you might add more enjoyment to your moment right now?
- Change up your habits – choose a different route home from work etc. This will help you snap out of a potential rut
- Stretch. Flexible body, flexible mind. Ideas and flow occurs when we mobilise our body tissues
- Relax! Relaxing is closely related to play in the way that it usually doesn’t have any other purpose – hence the reason so many people struggle to do it
- Try to care less what others think, as fear of appearing silly will hinder your ability to play
- Join your kid on the playground
- Get an exercise trampoline – they are small, yet still give you a good bounce and feeling of freedom
- Try a partner yoga class – these classes are always playful and fun, they create a sense of togetherness and remind you that there are others out there like you wanting to have more play, adversity and creativity in their lives
Happy health everybody!
Kirsten Louise
Physiotherapist (BHSc, PGCert HSc) & Yoga Teacher (RYT500)