Play is experienced in the body and feels pleasurable, fun, relaxing, Play tends to triggers body movements like smiles and laughter. Play wakes up the senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.
Play is to the brain like sleep is to the body: a time to take a break, rebalance chemicals, repair, recharge, and ready for life’s requirements. Without play, the brain gets overloaded, confused, unable to discern rational from irrational. truth from lies, safe from unsafe. Like sleep deprivation, lack of play results in dysfunction and disease of mind, body and soul.
Unfortunately, most of us don’t know how to play. We go through the motions – hiking golfing, or playing a game with the kids – but we are anxious, impatient, and irritable because play is not possible when the brain is involved in worry, jealousy, embarrassment, anger, competition, survival, grief, or dislike.
When the mind is stressed, vacations are exhausting, free time is used for chores, meal times are rushed, hobbies are disappointing, and “fun” with family and friends becomes frustrating.
Depleted, depressed, disconnected, we crawl to professionals seeking solutions to our problems. We are given prescriptions for drugs and guidelines on how to rest, eat better, and exercise more. But we try and fail because we don’t know how to play.
This week, I invite you to rediscover how to play: with your food, with your dog, with your family, with God; at work, on your walks, while doing chores, at church, at the store.
1. SLOW DOWN.
2. Be curious instead of critical, flexible instead of controlling. Be a student instead of a know-it-all; towards your children, spouse, friends, strangers, self, hobbies, prayer.
3. Breathe deeply. Chances are your body is programmed for fight/flight, so take some time to relax into what you are thinking and doing.
4. Open your senses: look, smell, touch, taste, and hear each experience.
5. Soothe your stressed out brain with calming affirmations:
It’s OK to take your time.
It’s OK to enjoy yourself.
It’s OK to not do it perfectly.
It’s OK to relax.
6. Keep a “Play Journal” for the week and make notes on your progress. Your body, mind and soul (and your kids, spouse, friends, God, dog) will thank you.