The Power of Play: Why Embracing Childhood Joy as an Adult is Essential for Health and Wellbeing

When was the last time you played—really played—without a goal, an agenda, or the pressure to "get it right"? For me, that moment came when I picked up dance as an adult. At first, it felt awkward and even a little indulgent. But over time, I realized that dancing was more than just a fun hobby; it was reconnecting me with a sense of joy and freedom I hadn't felt since childhood. It turns out that play, often dismissed as something only for kids, holds profound benefits for adults—mentally, physically, and socially.

Why Play Matters (Even When You're Grown Up)

Research shows that engaging in play as an adult isn't just about having fun—it’s a powerful tool for enhancing brain health, emotional resilience, and overall wellbeing. When we engage in playful activities, we tap into deep neurological and psychological processes that promote creativity, stress relief, and social connection.

1. Boosts Brain Health and Cognitive Function

Play stimulates the brain by engaging multiple regions responsible for memory, problem-solving, and creativity. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) found that playful activities enhance neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections—supporting long-term cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline as we age.¹

Play also triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood and motivation while improving memory and learning capacity. Activities like dance, art, and creative writing require mental agility and pattern recognition, which helps keep the mind sharp and adaptable.

2. Reduces Stress and Improves Mental Health

Engaging in playful activities activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system), helping to reduce cortisol levels and lower overall stress. A study in The American Journal of Play (2013) showed that adults who regularly engage in play experience lower rates of anxiety and depression.²

Movement-based play, like dance or sports, can also help release pent-up emotions and improve emotional regulation. Psychologist Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, emphasizes that play is critical for emotional health and can prevent feelings of burnout and overwhelm.³

3. Supports Physical Health and Longevity

Many forms of play—whether it's running around during a pickup basketball game or flowing through a dance routine—offer significant physical health benefits. According to the American Heart Association, engaging in playful physical activity helps improve cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and boost coordination and flexibility.⁴

Dance, in particular, has been shown to improve balance, mobility, and even cognitive function in older adults. A study in The New England Journal of Medicine (2003) found that dancing reduces the risk of dementia by 76%, more than any other type of physical activity.⁵

4. Enhances Social Connection and Emotional Resilience

Play is inherently social. Whether you're collaborating on a creative project, joining a recreational sports league, or attending a dance class, play creates opportunities for connection and shared joy. Research in The Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (2016) found that shared play increases trust, bonding, and cooperation, strengthening interpersonal relationships and reducing feelings of isolation.⁶

Laughter, often a byproduct of playful activities, also triggers the release of oxytocin (the "love hormone"), enhancing feelings of connection and emotional safety.

5. Increases Creativity and Problem-Solving Skills

Play helps us think outside the box. When we engage in creative play—like painting, writing, or improvising a dance sequence—we activate the brain's default mode network (DMN), which supports divergent thinking and innovative problem-solving. A 2018 study in Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts found that adults who engage in regular creative play demonstrate higher levels of cognitive flexibility and creative thinking.⁷

How to Bring More Play into Your Life

If the idea of "playing" as an adult feels strange or uncomfortable, you’re not alone. We’re often conditioned to view play as unproductive or childish. But rediscovering the joy of play can be as simple as picking up an old hobby or trying something new. Here are some ideas to get you started:

🎨 Creative Play

• Painting or drawing

• Writing poetry or fiction

• Learning to play a musical instrument

• Crafting (pottery, knitting, or scrapbooking)

🏃‍♀️ Physical Play

• Dancing (solo or in a group)

• Joining an adult sports league (soccer, basketball, pickleball)

• Rock climbing or hiking

• Taking a yoga or martial arts class

🌳 Outdoor Play

• Gardening or bird-watching

• Exploring a local park or nature reserve

• Building a sandcastle at the beach

• Riding a bike around your neighborhood

🎲 Social and Game-Based Play

• Board game nights with friends

• Trivia competitions

• Improv or acting classes

• Escape rooms or team-building challenges

Rediscovering Joy Through Play

Starting dance as an adult reminded me that play isn’t frivolous—it’s essential. It allows us to tap into creativity, connection, and spontaneity that often get lost in the pressures of adult life. Play isn’t about skill or mastery; it’s about being present, curious, and open to joy.

So, what did you love doing as a kid? What made you lose track of time and feel fully alive? Chances are, rediscovering that sense of play might be the key to feeling more balanced, energized, and connected today.

References

1. Basso, J. C., & Suzuki, W. A. (2017). The effects of acute exercise on mood, cognition, neurophysiology, and neurochemical pathways: A review. Frontiers in Psychology, 8, 2147.

2. Lillard, A. S., & Taggart, J. (2013). Pretend play and social competence. American Journal of Play, 5(3), 273–289.

3. Brown, S. (2009). Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul. Avery.

4. American Heart Association. (2021). Benefits of Physical Activity. https://www.heart.org

5. Verghese, J. et al. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, 348(25), 2508–2516.

6. Sandstrom, G. M., & Dunn, E. W. (2014). Social interactions and well-being: The surprising power of weak ties. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 107(3), 451–459.

7. Benedek, M., et al. (2018). Creativity and the default mode network. Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, 12(4), 331–340.

By embracing play, we give ourselves permission to feel joy, creativity, and connection—ingredients we all need to thrive, no matter how old we are.