Why Adults Need Play Time

Play matters not just for kids but for people of all ages. Play is crucial for children to help them develop and improve their communication and social skills, while teaching them about cooperation and teamwork. Adults need to take an occasional break, unwind from work responsibilities or schoolwork and have fun in the same boundless, creative way children do. Play can be an essential source of pleasure, relaxation, renewal and learning for grown-ups, in both our personal lives and in our workplace.

Research shows that play is critical for an adult’s health, well-being, ability to solve problems and capacity to enter and exist in a “flow” state. When we do not take time out for play, we do not give our best at home or at work. The importance of play for adults in the work environment is rooted in its positive effect on the mental and physical well-being of employees. One important outcome of having fun at work is that play not only can increase productivity — it can enhance it.

Stepping away from the phone, computer and work tasks a few times each workday and interacting in a friendly and socially appropriate way with co-workers encourages teamwork, helps employees see problems in a new way and can generate fresh, creative solutions. Feeling happy and healthy helps workers become more self-confident, self-aware and productive.

The importance of play for adults during a day at the office can also lead to other benefits, including the following:

Lowering stress. Having fun calms and soothes both body and soul.

Increasing energy and brain function. Letting off steam at work — whether through friendly games, exercise classes, potluck lunches or office outings to fun, stimulating events — prevents burnout.

Building relationships. Play automatically improves interaction and social skills with others, whether a spouse, child or colleague.

Taking time to play may be just the ticket to a happier, healthier life.

Learn to play more and surround yourself with playful people, and you can experience the many benefits of play.