MEET ARIANA
Ever feel like life is all about ticking off to-do lists and meeting deadlines, leaving little room for anything else? Even our systems hails productivity and seriousness, making it so easy to forget about the simple joys of PLAY. We tend to think of play as something reserved for children, but what if I told you that embracing play could be a powerful tool for your own wellness—no matter your age?
Play is more than just child’s play; it’s a way to nurture your mind, body, and spirit. Think of it as a secret ingredient to holistic wellness, helping you reconnect with your inner self, boost creativity, and find emotional balance. Albert Einstein once said, “Play is the highest form of research.” It’s a way to explore, heal, and rediscover the parts of yourself that often get lost in the hustle and bustle of adult life.
The Power of Play: Why It Matters? play therapy, traditionally associated with children, has emerged as a valuable practice for adults too. It encourages you to reconnect with your inner child, unlocking creativity, joy, and emotional healing.
According to Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play – US, “The opposite of play is not work—it’s depression.” His research highlights that play is essential for mental well-being, enhancing brain function, reducing stress, and fostering creativity.
Holistic wellness is about balancing and nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. Incorporating play into your wellness routine can rejuvenate all three areas, making you feel more connected and alive.
Here are three tips for bringing play into your life, no matter your age.
TIP 001: Engage in Creative Play: Let Your Imagination Run Wild
Art and Craft Activities -Take time to engage in activities like painting, drawing, or crafting without worrying about the outcome. When you let go of the need for perfection, you allow your creativity to flow freely. This can be incredibly therapeutic, helping you express emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with your playful self. Research from the American Art Therapy Association suggests that creative play can help individuals process trauma and improve emotional well-being.
Building and Imagining– Remember the joy of building things as a child? Recreate that experience with toys like LEGO, modeling clay, or even simple blocks. This tactile, hands-on play stimulates your brain, reduces anxiety, and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Just like when you were a child, the act of creating something from your imagination brings a unique satisfaction and joy.
Have you heard of David Kelley? founder of IDEO, a renowned design firm, emphasizes the importance of playful creativity in innovation. He often incorporates LEGO and other playful tools in workshops to help adults think creatively and approach problems from new perspectives. How about us channeling our inner David Kelley into some of the projects that we take on? How can you make your workspace more playful and full of excitement? This could be your goal for the ember months and possibly another article in the making for Ariana Diaries.
TIP OO2: Incorporate Movement-Based Play: Dance, Jump, and Move Freely
Dance and Movement – One of the most freeing forms of play is spontaneous dancing or movement. Put on your favorite music and dance like no one’s watching. This kind of free movement not only boosts physical health but also releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood enhancers. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that dance helps reduce the risk of dementia and improves mental clarity. More recent research into dance and certain movements have been interlinked to releasing forms of stored trauma, do you need any more motivation to move it, move it?
Outdoor Play – Read that again! we are in no way, trying to enroll you into Narnia Daycare & Preschool. However it is a playful reminder to reconnect with the joy of childhood games by revisiting activities like hopscotch or skipping. Outdoor play, whether it’s hiking in nature or playing catch, grounds you in the present moment, providing joy and relaxation. The fresh air and physical activity also improve cardiovascular health and reduce stress.
I bet you need a real life example of someone who thrives on play? Here you go: Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin Group, is a strong advocate for incorporating play into daily life. Known for his adventurous spirit, Branson often participates in kite surfing, a playful activity that not only keeps him physically fit but also fuels his creativity and zest for life.
TIP 003: Practice Mindful Play- Engage Your Mind and Spirit
Mindful Games – Engage in games that require focus and presence, such as puzzles, board games, or card games. These activities engage your mind in a light-hearted way, promoting relaxation and mindfulness. The key is to focus on the process rather than the outcome, allowing yourself to enjoy the experience without pressure. No one is saying, be like Tunde Onakoya;
Onakoya (born 6 October 1994) is a Nigerian chess player and coach, who holds the Guinness World Records for the longest marathon chess game. However, stretching your mind playfully does have it’s perks – you will be building emotional resilience and proactively gaining control of your emotions.
Role-Playing or Storytelling – Role-playing and storytelling, whether alone or with friends, allow you to explore different facets of your personality and process emotions. By creating characters and inventing scenarios, you engage in a form of play that builds empathy and emotional intelligence. According to psychologist Dr. Brene Brown, play is essential in building connections and cultivating empathy. Frankly, I am yet to do this within my personal spheres but I have really utilized this method with my coaching clients and when facilitating team building and strategy sessions. Trust me after over 14 years of implementing, it works!
Do you know that the famed Harry Potter books/movies (yeah- had to sneak in a controversial example) is the result of creative play? In fact on multiple occasions renowned author J.K. Rowling has spoken about how storytelling and imagination played a crucial role in her own emotional healing and creative process. By engaging in imaginative play, she was able to create the world of Harry Potter, which has brought joy and healing to millions.
Integrating play into your holistic wellness routine isn’t just about having fun—it is about allowing yourself to explore, heal, and grow in a way that honors the playful spirit within. By embracing creative, movement-based, and mindful play, you can nurture your mind, body, and spirit, making life more vibrant and fulfilling.
So, the next time you feel the weight of the world on your shoulders, remember to play. Whether it’s through art, somatic movements, or a simple game, let your inner child guide you towards joy and well-being. After all, as George Bernard Shaw wisely said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
