In our last issue (IF Insider No. 76) we spent some time outdoors exploring why being outside in natural environments is so important for your health. This time, whether you do it inside or outside, we are going to jump into the world of play and its effects on health…not for kids, but for adults.
For our premium subscribers, in this week’s Research Spotlight, I am going to go into much more depth on the recent (bad) news about the artificial sweetener, Splenda, which I addressed briefly in this week’s IF Insider Longevity Tip, as well as more information about artificial sweeteners in general and their effects on your health.
Our paid subscribers also get one of Ellen’s recipes each month. We recently featured how Ellen uses plant-based sausages to make a flavorful and delicious red sauce-infused pasta with Ellen’s Impossible Pasta recipe. This time around we are featuring her easy-to-make Steamed Artichokes with Lemon Butter.
Looking for a supportive group that “gets” your interest in IF and other cutting-edge health information? Our free intermittent fasting Facebook group, with over 1800 members, is a wealth of info, in addition to our new Longevity Experience membership.
Rewiring Adult Life Through the Power of Play
Many people perceive "play" as an activity exclusively reserved for children. But play is an essential part of human life that can offer substantial benefits to adults as well. Let’s get a closer look into the definition of play, and its impacts on both physical and mental health, and explore some fun ideas to incorporate more play into your daily life.
What is Play?
Play, in the simplest terms, can be defined as an activity that you undertake for the sheer enjoyment of it. In play, you are after pleasure, and engagement, rather than going after any serious or practical purpose. Play involves a sense of active engagement and immersion, where you will often lose track of time. It is self-motivated, fun, totally voluntary, and comes with its own rules that may differ entirely from everyday norms.
The Effects of Play on Physical Health
Play is not only fun but can also be a very effective means to promote physical health. When you engage in a playful activity, your body benefits from the exercise without the pressure or even dread that can sometimes accompany a planned fitness regime.
Physical play, such as sports, dancing, or simply a playful wrestling match with your partner or children, can improve cardiovascular health, boost immunity, reduce obesity risk, and improve your physical agility. Additionally, it can improve coordination, balance, and motor skills. Regular physical play encourages an active lifestyle, which in turn, contributes to long-term health benefits.
The Impact of Play on Mental Health
The benefits of play extend well beyond physical wellness as it also serves as an important tool for stress relief. Engaging in enjoyable activities can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals, promoting an overall sense of well-being and even temporarily relieving pain.
Play can also improve brain function. Activities like puzzles, quizzes, card games, or board games can stimulate the brain and enhance problem-solving skills, as well as improve cognitive abilities such as memory and focus. Play can foster creativity, adaptability, and resilience, which are valuable traits in the face of life's many challenges.
Play can significantly contribute to improved relationships and connections with others. Shared laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy. Playing with others in cooperative or competitive scenarios can help you learn about cooperation, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Tips for Incorporating More Play into Your Life
Here are some practical, fun ideas for incorporating more play into your everyday life:
Find What You Enjoy: This can be anything from a sport to a hobby or even a silly activity that brings a smile to your face. The key is to find something you genuinely love.
Schedule Playtime: In the busy hustle of life, it’s easy to overlook play. By scheduling time for it, you can ensure it remains a priority in your life
Play with a Pet: Pets are natural playmates. Whether it’s throwing a ball for your dog or tossing a catnip-filled mouse toy for your feline, chances are they’ll be up for it.
Board Games and Puzzles: These activities not only provide mental stimulation but are also great ways to bond with family and friends. Plus physical board games get you away from the ever-pervasive electronic screens!
Outdoor Activities: These could include hiking, biking, gardening, or beach games. Being outdoors itself has its own health benefits, which we have explored here at the Insider before.
Dance: You don't need to be an expert to enjoy dancing. It's an excellent form of exercise that simultaneously boosts your mood.
Engage in Creative Arts: Painting, playing an instrument ( or learning how!) writing, or any form of creative expression can be playful and enjoyable.
Explore Virtual Games: With the advent of technology, there are numerous online platforms and virtual reality games that can engage you in fun, immersive experiences.
Embrace Childishness: Every once in a while, simply allow yourself to be silly.
Play is not merely a child's domain; it holds equal relevance and value in our adult lives. Play is a self-motivated, pleasurable activity that offers significant benefits to both physical and mental health, acting to promote cardiovascular health, boost immunity, and encourages an active lifestyle. Mentally, play acts as a powerful stress reliever, improves cognitive abilities, and fosters stronger relationships.
Despite the apparent benefits, you may find it challenging to incorporate play into your busy life. So take a look at our suggestions above to help get you started. It’s crucial to remember that play is not an indulgence but a necessity for a balanced, healthy life. In the midst of your adult responsibilities, don’t forget the power and joy of play. It's time to let loose, laugh, and play your way to better health and happiness!
Why It Matters
“Our brains are built to benefit from play no matter what our age”
~ Theresa A. Kestly Ph.D., is a contemporary psychologist, educator, consultant, and registered play therapist/supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy. Her books include The Interpersonal Neurobiology of Play: Brain-Building Interventions for Emotional Well-Being.
What We Are Reading 📚
Denise - I realize I’m mostly reading newsletters these days. Everything from AI and Marketing to one of my favorites from our colleague, Elizabeth H. Cottrell.
Elizabeth’s Today’s Heartspoken Note is a lovely respite from current events and ever-changing AI news. She reminds us that it’s the personal connection that really counts and how a handwritten note can easily strengthen those connections both personally and professionally. And, Elizabeth shares ideas about messaging and templates for when you feel stuck.
In this article, Elizabeth shares a resource to help you improve your cursive writing, in case it’s become sloppy (like mine!)
Ellen - Speaking of play, I’ve been using artificial intelligence to have some of the most fun I can remember having in a long time. I have a big orange cat named Honeybear, and I am fond of posting photos of her on Facebook several times a week. Recently I saw a classic 1891 painting of cats by Carl Kahler's My Wife's Lovers, so I decided to try to reproduce a version of the painting using AI, in this case, Bing’s Image Generator powered by the AI engine Dall-E.
This got a lot of attention on Facebook, so I started doing other images with orange cats and posting them. This is pure play for me and I don’t do it for anything other than the sheer joy of creating and sharing these images. Here is just one of my AI orange cats below. What do you do for pure play?
Did you like this article and learn something new? If so, please let us know in the comments! Questions and suggestions for future articles are welcome, too!
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