THE POWER OF PLAY

YOUR BRAIN WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Remember when you were a child, and everything could be turned into an adventure? There were endless possibilities to what could be. Perhaps you made up silly backstories for your toys, dressed-up as your favourite cartoon character, named inanimate objects, said hello to every dog you passed by on the street, or sang along to songs you didn’t know the words to. You were in touch with your sense of wonder and whimsy. As we grow up, we inadvertently lose these practices. We become less wide-eyed, and prioritise work and productivity. Life becomes more serious. And rightfully so, it would be naive to expect us to maintain that childlike wonder when the state of the world often calls for hypervigilance and a hardened exterior. Many of us have to ‘grow-up’ due to family responsibilities, socioeconomic positioning, or other factors out of our control. When surviving is the goal, fun automatically falls off the to-do list.

But what if fun was actually cognitively necessary all along? Golland et al. (2025) published a study called ‘Playful Brains’, which suggests that when we engage in social playfulness – characterised by spontaneity, imagination,  and mutual enjoyment –  it allows us to break away from the mundanity of routine and engage in new, exciting interactions that promote healthier cognitive functioning as we age. Basically, cultivating moments of joy for yourself, and sharing pleasurable interactions with others, can lead to a healthier, happier brain.

This is because engaging in play and playful activities allows the brain to form new neural connections and reorganise itself. This is known as neurogenesis. Think of play as a way to constantly rejuvenate the brain and keep it young as you grow older. Additionally, play actively triggers the release of neurochemicals like dopamine, which trigger feelings of pleasure and motivation. Regularly incorporating playfulness into your routine can also lower your cortisol levels, which leads to less stress and can promote a state of relaxation.

The benefits of play further extend to enhanced executive function such as creativity, problem-solving, and memory. Think of your brain as a muscle to be trained, and play as the ultimate workout – regardless of what enjoyable activities you engage in, your brain is growing and transforming through it all. It’s learning new skills, getting a break from the productivity grind, releasing happy hormones, and having fun!

Essentially, if we want to take care of our brains, we should be more playful as we ‘grow up’. Here are some tips for incorporating more play into your life:

1. Reconnect with what you enjoyed as a child – Returning to your roots can often bring the most joy and reignite your sense of wonder. Add to that card collection you started  as a teen. Rewatch old cartoons and TV shows from your youth. Teach someone the make-believe game you played with your childhood friends. Get back into old hobbies. You’d be surprised at how powerful and enjoyable nostalgia can be!

• Try something new – Allow yourself to take risks and break away from your routine. Make a fun playlist and go on a walk after work instead of heading straight home. Have a themed hangout with friends. Do a weekend activity you wouldn’t normally try. Inject variety and excitement into your days that makes you feel like the possibilities are endless, just like when you were a kid!

• Find joy in the mundane – Fun and playfulness does not always have to be big and loud. In fact, whimsy can be created in the smallest gestures. Like decorating your phone case with stickers, or sending your friends random video updates of your day. It’s all about finding small ways to be silly, spontaneous, and make yourself and your loved ones smile each day.

It’s true, life can be demanding and draining, but sometimes the best way to take care of yourself is to nurture that inner child. No matter what the day throws at you, you still deserve to have some fun at the end of it. However small, seemingly insignificant, or ‘childish’, try and fill your cup with moments of joy. At the very least, it could give you a reprieve from the craziness of adult life. So do the responsible thing:  go out and play!

If you would like some help getting more in touch with your sense of wonder and exploring other ways of living a fuller life, feel free to reach out for a session.