Do you make time for play?
A child’s intrinsic motivation is driven by play. It leads to learning, reward, joy, and connection with others. It helps us develop and set boundaries, and form memories and experiences from which to draw on later. It creates and maintains a sense of curiosity, wonder and hope.
It’s easy as adults to forget the importance of intentionally protecting time just for play. Especially right now. SO many balls in the air. Disconnection from friends and family. Illness, financial stress. Inability to rely on many of our usual outlets for play amidst the pandemic. No shortage of stressors. Without play, it’s hard to take care of ourselves or others.
Make a “play list” Carve out a few minutes to tap into it every day. Even 15minutes can bring your brain and energy a lift. Additionally: Play has a payoff – it pays forward. It results in increased productivity, improved ability to manage stress, greater sense of mastery and control amidst uncertainty. PLAY BOOSTS DOPAMINE AND SEROTONIN for healthy resilient brains and resistance to depression/anxiety. There is a whole science behind this!
In “normal” times, I LOVE to travel, adventure and spend physically active time with my family. The photo above is from a Summer 2019 travel adventure to the West Coast – that day the Preimesberger crew biked the Golden Gate Bridge before all 6 of us hopped into an RV for a week to further explore the coast. Photography keeps me grounded as it helps me intentionally find everyday beauty and meaningful moments amidst the hustle. Stuff that’s easy to take for granted unless you s-l-o-w down.
Right now, play may look like a long walk outside. Listening to a favorite podcast. A family movie night or making a new recipe with your kids. Loud music and crazy dancing in the kitchen. Building something. Calling someone to have a laugh. Learning something new that is totally different from your day job.
What reenergizes you? That’s play.
Stuck? When’s the last time you felt utterly at peace and full of curiosity? How can you recreate that? What brought you joy as a kid? How might you adapt that to adulthood? Or revisit it with a child in your life now?
Part of what excites me about creating rootsMD Direct Care Family Medicine is the opportunity to be more creative in my professional life, and to again have the time to help patients tap into what makes them feel alive even during stormy times.
GET YOUR PLAY ON! Your health depends on it.
