What Are the Psychological Benefits of Play For Adults?

When was the last time you played as an adult just for the fun of it--without a goal or an agenda?

The Benefits of Play For Adults

For most adults, play is usually low on their list of priorities. The older they get, the less playful they become. They are too busy contending with never-ending to do lists and, as adults get older, productivity becomes more important than play. From that perspective, play becomes a "waste of time".

Societal pressures, biological shifts and cognitive changes reshape how they view time and behavior. In addition, the adult brain prioritizes efficiency and survival over exploration and the modern world conditions adults to experience being "unproductive" with guilt.

What Are the Psychological Benefits of Play For Adults?

Despite personal and societal pressures, we now know, based on psychological and neurobiological research, that play and playfulness are beneficial for adults.

The Benefits of Play For Adults

Contemporary studies from organizations, like the National Institute for Play, indicate that adults play is a neurological necessity for optimal cognitive function, stress resilience and optimal well-being.

The key psychological benefits of adult play include:

• Stress Reduction and Better Coping: Research indicates that highly playful adults experience lower levels of perceived stress because play triggers the release of endorphins and dopamine while actively regulating cortisol. Playful adults utilize healthier, adaptive coping mechanisms, including positive reframing, rather than avoidant behaviors.

The Benefits of Play

• Enhanced Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Research has revealed that play directly enhances emotional intelligence and strengthens personal resilience. It can provide a psychological buffer which allows adults to bounce back from adversity and workplace burnout.

• Cognitive Flexibility and Flow States: Play can act as a cognitive refresh by removing pressure and goal-driven thinking. According to research on adult playfulness, engaging in unstructured or mentally challenging play (e.g., puzzles or strategic games) stimulates creative thinking and problem solving. This makes it easier to enter into deeply satisfying flow states (see my article: What is a Flow State?).

• Social Connectedness: Group play, cooperative games and shared laughter foster empathy, trust and intimacy. In addition, structured social play significantly reduces loneliness and social isolation.

How Do Adults Play?

Researchers categorize most adult play into the following categories:

• Active forms - like recreational sports
• Digital play - like video games
• Unstructured hobbies - like painting, playing music or trying a new craft just for the fun of it

How Can You Be More Playful as an Adult?

To reclaim play in your adult life:

• Start By Giving Yourself Permission: For most adults, the biggest barrier is internal. Remind yourself that play isn't frivolous so you can overcome your inner critic who might judge you for "wasting time."

• Start Small: You don't have to go out and join a sports team--unless you want to. You can start small by dancing to your favorite music or coloring in a coloring book. An initial low commitment reduces pressure.

• Get Curious: Find out what you like:
• Do you like games with winners and losers? 
• Do you enjoy making things?
• Do you prefer laughter and silliness?
• Do you like play that involves movement and physical awareness?

• Notice Play in Your Daily Life: Playfulness is a mindset so begin to notice common everyday examples:
• Doodling
• Improvisational cooking
• Daydreaming about fictional scenarios
• Exploring nature
  

Conclusion

When you include play in your life, you realize that life isn't all about being productive or enduring day-to-day challenges. It's also about experiencing joy.

About Me

I am a licensed New York psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, EMDR, AEDP, IFS, EFT (for couples), Somatic Experiencing and Certified Sex Therapist.

I have helped many individual adults and couples over the years.

To find out more about me, visit my website: Josephine Ferraro, LCSW - NYC Psychotherapist.

To set up a consultation, call me at (917) 742-2624 during business hours or email me.

Also See My Articles:

The Joy of Being More Playful 

The Benefits of Laughter For Your Health and Mental Health 

Being Open to New Experiences

11 Ways to Be a More Creative Person 

The Power of Storytelling