In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.
Playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Adult play is a time to forget about work and commitments, and to be social in an unstructured, creative way.
Play could be simply goofing off with friends, sharing jokes with a coworker, throwing a frisbee on the beach, dressing up on Halloween with your kids, building a snowman in the yard, playing fetch with a dog, acting out charades at a party, or going for a bike ride with your spouse with no destination in mind. There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.
I – Word Understanding
Zone out – to stop paying attention and not hear or see what is around you for a short period of time ( in order to relax)
Rejuvenating – to make someone look or feel young and energetic again
Goofing off – doing nothing
Oodles – a lot
II – Have Your Say
1, As an adult, what is your idea of play? What are the things you do to “play”?
2, Ready to play and have fun? How do you think you can incorporate play in your daily life with the following suggestions:
a, Schedule time for a hobby.
b, Have social support / Do fun things with others.
c, Play games.
d, Visit a park or a playground.
e, Take the time to appreciate beauty in the world.
