The Importance of Play & Joy in Adult Life
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing”. —George Bernard Shaw
When we think of play, we often picture children laughing, running, and letting their imaginations run wild. Yet somewhere along the journey into adulthood, many of us forget — or even dismiss — the importance of play. Life fills up with responsibilities, deadlines, and pressures, and joy can begin to feel like a luxury rather than a necessity. But the truth is, play and joy are not frivolous extras; they are vital to our well-being, creativity, and resilience.
As the days get shorter and fall begins to settle in, and our routines shift toward work, school, and preparing for the busy months ahead, this is your invitation to reconnect with your inner child. It’s easy to let responsibilities take over and forget about the lighter, playful side of life. Yet, even as the seasons change, play remains just as important for our well-being, creativity, and joy. Give yourself permission to bring a little lightheartedness into your everyday routine..
Why Joy and Play Matter
Neuroscience and psychology both point to the benefits of play. Play reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and increasing endorphins, our natural feel-good hormones. When we engage in joyful activities, we also activate parts of the brain associated with creativity and problem-solving, allowing us to think more flexibly and approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Play strengthens our social connections. Whether it’s sharing laughter with friends, collaborating on a creative project, or engaging in playful movement, these moments remind us of our shared humanity. Joy naturally fosters presence; in moments of play, we aren’t worrying about the past or future, we are grounded in the here and now.
Reclaiming Play as Adults
As adults, we often equate play with silliness or wasting time. Yet play doesn’t have to mean board games or playground swings (though it certainly can and I would encourage both of those!). Instead, it’s about engaging in activities that spark curiosity, delight, or imagination. Play might look like trying out a new recipe, doodling without a plan, exploring nature, dancing in the kitchen, or experimenting with colors on a canvas.
The expressive arts are a powerful doorway into play because they invite us to let go of expectations and perfectionism. When we paint, write, move, or make music without worrying about outcomes, we step into a state of playful exploration. In that space, joy naturally arises.
The Link Between Play and Creativity
For many adults, creativity feels blocked by self-criticism or fear of failure. Play offers a way around these barriers. When we approach creativity with a playful mindset — allowing ourselves to make mistakes, experiment, and simply enjoy the process — we free ourselves from judgment. This openness often leads to surprising insights, solutions, and bursts of inspiration that wouldn’t emerge under pressure.
Play, in essence, gives creativity permission to breathe.
Infusing Daily Life with Joy
The good news is that joy doesn’t require grand gestures. It lives in small, intentional choices woven into our daily lives. As adults, we need play just as much as children do and perhaps even more. Joy is not frivolous; it is fuel for resilience, healing, and growth. When we give ourselves permission to play, we open the door to more creativity, connection, and balance in our lives.
So, go ahead — make room for daily moments of joy. Let play remind you of the spark that’s always been within you.
Want to bring more joy and play into your life?
My expressive arts workshops and classes are a supportive and compassionate space to explore creativity, release stress, and rediscover the delight of play. No experience is needed — just curiosity and openness.
Come join me, reconnect with your playful spirit, and see how joy can transform your daily life: https://www.firepotexat.com/workshops
