Why Adults Need to Play: Rekindling Fun in a Busy World
It’s good to run and jump around outside, at any age..
When we were kids, play came naturally. Whether it was riding bikes, building forts, or joining a pickup game, play brought excitement, creativity, and connection.
Yet as we grow older, play often fades from our lives. Responsibilities pile up, social pressures shift, and opportunities for fun seem to dwindle. But what if bringing play back into your life could boost your health and improve symptoms of anxiety and ADHD?
Why Play Disappears in Adulthood
As adults, we tend to deprioritize play, often for these reasons:
Increased Responsibilities: Careers, family commitments, and financial concerns demand our attention, leaving little time for leisure.
Social Dynamics: Adulthood is often associated with seriousness, and play can feel indulgent or even inappropriate.
Limited Opportunities: Busy schedules and fewer organized spaces for adult recreation make finding opportunities to play a challenge.
Rediscovering Play: Steps to Get Started
Building play into your life is not just possible—it’s critical for well-being. Here’s how to get started:
Prioritize Play: Understand that play isn’t a waste of time—it’s a crucial element of health and happiness.
Try New Activities: Explore hobbies or sports that sound exciting, even if they’re outside your comfort zone.
Make Time for Play: Schedule it as intentionally as you would work or exercise.
Connect With Others: Join community groups or teams for a social boost while having fun.
Board games are a great way for adults with ADHD to focus and engage their brain.
The Role of Play for Adults with ADHD
For adults with ADHD, incorporating play into daily life can be transformative. ADHD often involves difficulties with focus, impulsivity, and managing stress, and playful activities can help alleviate these challenges in meaningful ways:
Improved Focus: Playful activities that capture your interest—like team sports or strategy games—naturally help improve attention and train the brain to concentrate.
Stress Reduction: Physical play or creative activities like drawing or dancing trigger the release of endorphins, lowering stress and fostering relaxation.
Social Connection: ADHD can sometimes make social situations challenging, but play provides low-pressure environments to practice communication and build relationships.
Boosting Executive Functioning: Games or hobbies that require planning, coordination, or problem-solving—like pickleball or even video games—help strengthen critical cognitive skills.
How Play Supports Adults with Anxiety
For adults managing anxiety, play offers a practical and enjoyable way to address common challenges like overthinking, stress, and difficulty relaxing. Here’s how:
Stress Relief: Engaging in activities like hiking, yoga, or team sports reduces cortisol levels, helping to calm the body and mind.
Redirecting Attention: Anxiety thrives on overthinking, but immersive play activities—like volleyball or group board games—shift your focus to the present moment.
Building Confidence: Accomplishing something during play, whether mastering a yoga pose or winning a friendly game, fosters self-confidence and reduces feelings of self-doubt.
Better Sleep: Physical play can improve sleep quality, which is essential for managing anxiety symptoms and reducing overall stress.
Incorporating play into your life is an empowering way to regain control over anxiety while having fun and reconnecting with yourself.
Getting outside with friends and family is the best way to play.
Adults Who Play Are Happier—Here’s Why
Research shows that adults who engage in play experience reduced stress, improved creativity, and stronger social connections.
Play stimulates the brain, releases feel-good chemicals, and creates opportunities for meaningful interactions.
By finding your style of play and prioritizing it in your life, you’re not just having fun—you’re supporting your health, deepening relationships, and improving your quality of life.
If you find yourself stuck finding a place to start, we’re here to help.