Be More Active: 10 Reasons for Playing MORE This Year
““Play is the bridge that connects us to our inner child, no matter how old we are!””
Playing games is an activity that is enjoyed by both children and adults alike.
Unfortunately, many of us are so caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life that we need to remember to make time for play. However, play has countless benefits, from promoting physical health to stimulating mental growth and creativity.
““Play is the highest form of research””
Playing is a powerful way to bring joy into our lives and create memories that will last a lifetime!
Here are ten reasons why everyone should find time to play more often!
#1: Play improves physical health
When children (and adults!) play outside, engage in rough and tumble play or participate in competitive team sports, they become more active and improve their physical strength, endurance, and agility. These games also help increase physical activity levels and burn far more calories than sitting still. Even playing a game of tag could lead to improved physical benefits and can help to reduce childhood levels of obesity.
In addition, regular movement reduces the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. Another benefit to your physical health is improved coordination, which can help athletes, dancers, and everyone else move with greater ease and agility. Finally, playing is a fun way to incorporate exercise into your day and can even help reduce stress levels.
#2: Play promotes socialisation
Playing together with others encourages socialisation skills such as communication, collaboration, and cooperation, which are essential for healthy relationships in adulthood. It also allows children to form friendships with their peers more quickly—and having meaningful relationships can help reduce stress levels throughout life.
It is also suitable for people struggling with shyness and low self-esteem to practice communicating and interacting in a safe environment.
#3: Play helps develop problem-solving skills
By engaging in interactive games or puzzles, players can create strategies and find solutions while enjoying themselves! These skills are also beneficial throughout adulthood when taking on tasks at work or managing personal finances effectively. It also lets you start thinking outside the box and practising creative thinking.
Problem-solving can help you in various ways in everyday life, such as decision-making and creative thinking. With better problem-solving skills, you can also improve self-control and patience.
According to one study (“The Effect of Play on Convergent and Divergent Problem Solving”) from Canadian researchers at the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo, play leads to the development of “divergent thinking". Divergent thinking is the ability to devise many independent solutions to the same problem.
#4: Play boosts cognitive developmenT
Recent studies suggest that there may be a connection between playing video games or board games regularly and enhanced cognitive abilities like better working memory, enhanced problem-solving skills, and improved concentration levels. Furthermore, playing certain types of digital games can even enhance spatial reasoning abilities! Playing in adults can also help improve memory and concentration levels.
#5: Playing reduces stress levels
Research has found that play can help reduce stress levels, particularly in adults. Playing outdoors and engaging in physical activity releases endorphins (chemicals produced by the body) which act as a natural mood booster, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.
In addition, playing games allows adults to take a break from their hectic schedules and focus on having fun! Finally, playing lets you wind down and relax, giving your mind a break from everyday stress and worries.
#6: Play fosters creativity
There's no denying how much fun it can be coming up with creative solutions during gameplay situations - especially when rewarded for doing so! With the right attitude towards gameplay failure (hint: don't take it too seriously!), players learn to think outside the box - a skill that comes quite handy during our daily lives too!
Being more creative can benefit you and your everyday life in several ways, including coming up with unique ideas, thinking ahead, and having the ability to adapt quickly. With creativity comes innovation, which can be applied to many aspects of life, whether at work or home.
Let's make 2023 about fun and exploring new possibilities through play!
#7: Play sharpens executive function skills
Executive functions include essential abilities such as planning, setting goals according to priorities, or staying focused on tasks despite distractions, all crucial tools for success! Interestingly, research suggests a direct link between regular video gaming sessions and improved executive functioning abilities!
So, if you're looking for a way to get ahead, spending some time playing now and then might be a good idea. Play can help adults stay focused on tasks despite distractions, and it can also help in improving organisational skills and time management.
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#8: Playing aids self-discovery
We're all different individuals with unique talents, and playing with others helps us explore our strengths further by experimenting with various roles we feel comfortable with. So never underestimate the power of playful discovery!
By being more relaxed through the play, you are more likely to learn more about yourself and your capabilities.
#9: Play increases emotional intelligence
Our emotions can affect virtually every area in our lives; thus, understanding them has become a highly valued skill set. From reducing stress levels effectively through relaxation techniques to being able to cheer ourselves up after a bad day, emotional intelligence helps us cope better with day-to-day problems. Therefore, playing "emotionally charged" video games should be part of everyone's routine. Video games can reduce stress, regulate our emotions and promote relaxation.
Emotional intelligence is also essential for managing relationships, and playing together helps us communicate better and understand each other more.
#10: Play boosts overall well-being
Ultimately, by enriching our lives through entertainment while simultaneously obtaining physical, mental & emotional benefits – playing positively impacts our overall sense of well-being & happiness! And what could beat this?
Playing is an essential part of life that has numerous benefits and should be a top priority for everyone. It helps to reduce stress levels, improve cognitive development, foster creativity, sharpen executive function skills, aid in self-discovery, increase emotional intelligence and boost overall well-being. So whether you're playing video or board games with friends or family members, outdoor play with your kids, or interactive puzzles by yourself - it all counts!
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With the right attitude towards gameplay failure (hint: don't take it too seriously!), players learn to think outside the box–a skill that comes quite handy during our daily lives too! In addition, playing together allows us to explore our strengths further by experimenting with various roles we feel comfortable with and understanding each other better through communication, which ultimately leads to increased emotional intelligence.
Those stuck in life or who want to try something new should give playing a chance. Through play, people can find joy and contentment that will help them make the most of their life experiences.
In conclusion, playing has numerous benefits that can positively impact people’s lives. Playing can help with physical, mental, and social development while also helping to create meaningful relationships. It is a great way to reduce stress, boost mood, and provide plenty of entertainment.
All these fantastic advantages make play so crucial for children and adults alike.
Researchers suggest that adults should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day for health and wellness maybe playing more could be one way to get there. If you want further information on why and how to get more play in your life, download The FREE Importance of Play eBook below and make sure you take some time out of your busy schedule in 2023 to play more–you won't regret it!
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