Adults dismiss play because they are “adults” and, therefore, play or playfulness is not something adults engage in, correct? Wrong. New research and returning to a prior orientation to life are now seen as readily available means to help us deal with difficult times.
The American Psychological Association reports that persistent emotional or mental strain poses a serious threat to American citizens’ well-being. Long-term affects of chronic stress is associated with a wide range of health issues, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.
Stress levels and the number of people diagnosed with mental illness can rise due to factors such as the pandemic, economic uncertainties, and societal difficulties. The question is quite simple: Do people who are playful see, approach, and react to their surroundings and life events in a different way than less playful people?
Some people think that being playful can change how people see or rethink situations, but this generally accepted idea lacks both theoretical detail and empirical validation. Research looked at fun as a way of looking at things and how it might change thinking, feeling, and acting in a disruptive pandemic setting.
Instead of “rose-colored glasses,” playfulness works like a “color spotlight,” selectively affecting people by “lemonading” — imagining and following positive possibilities to create valuable and enjoyable experiences while staying realistic about problems. This gives us a complete picture of how playful (re)framing works, showing that it mainly involves goal-oriented, thoughtful, and behavioral redirecting. It’s how humor can be used as a resilience factor.
A major study looked at how some individuals coped and retained their health through the COVID-19 epidemic. The Adult Playfulness Trait Scale levels of playfulness. Playful people identified risks and benefits similarly, but were more optimistic, creative, and enjoyed tasks more.
Those with a playful zest for life are as grounded in reality as everyone else when it comes to the dangers and difficulties posed by COVID-19. What sets them apart, though, is their talent for “lemonading” — finding the good in any given situation and making the most of it. It is also essential to play with people who make you laugh and do things that make you happy and curious. And this also applies to work situations.
Playfulness at work has been linked to several results, such as new ways of doing things or personal goals. Researchers looked at how playfulness in adults is linked to the ways people deal with stress at work and whether these ways of dealing with stress help to transfer the expected link between playfulness and life happiness among employees. It does.
Several excellent outcomes have been associated with adult playfulness, according to research. These include increased contentment with life and relationships, improved emotional regulation, higher test scores, a preference for intrinsic objectives at work (i.e., a desire for challenges), and creative problem-solving. When we look at what can result from maintaining an adult-oriented view of playfulness, it is truly impressive.
Ways to Return to Playfulness
One session introduces “Battlement,” a technique to slow down thinking and enhance experiences. The instructor\ emphasizes the importance of relaxing the body to enter this state. Participants are guided through warm-up exercises and encouraged to focus on the back of their heads. A mantra, “I don’t know what I’m doing, but it’s okay,” is repeated while exploring an object and selecting a clown outfit for a photo. Who dresses like a clown? Children do, and that’s what it’s all about — returning to those fun-filled activities of yore.
Note of Infinity is an associated game that aims to excite the player. A low-pitched note is made in the belly, then slid up to the top of your vocal range. Imagine it bursting through your head and hovering there as you wave your hands in front of you. You feel silly? That’s the point because it pulls you out of your usual self and into a sense of playful silliness — exactly what you need. While these exercises may not be suited to what you would like to do in terms of playfulness, there are some simple things you can do.
Simple “rules” to apply for yourself and playfulness include:
- Taking part in pursuits that make us happy and curious.
2. Being receptive to new information and trying different approaches to old tasks is an example of this.
3. Facilitating chances for impromptu, unplanned investigation.
4. Being in the company of humorous, game-changing individuals.
5. Laughing and enjoying oneself when it is suitable.
No, it’s not about silliness or being a Pollyanna; it’s about life and mental health. We can do things, even in the worst of times, to help ourselves remain grounded and reasonably happy. Don’t dismiss it. Give it a try.
