Taming the Sickness with Play

We all know that eating well and exercising regularly are key to maintaining good health and combating disease. Filling our plates with fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats provides our bodies with the proper fuel to function optimally. Pairing nutritious foods with daily movement keeps our muscles strong, heart healthy, and weight in check. But did you know that adding more play into your life can also boost your wellbeing and help ward off illness?

Play encompasses any activity we engage in purely for enjoyment that allows us to lose track of time. This could include physical games and sports, make-believe, artistic pursuits, or anything else that absorbs our attention in a fun, positive way. And just like diet and exercise, play has measurable benefits for both mind and body.

Laughing, imagining, problem-solving, cooperating with others - these are all facets of play that exercise our brains, improve mood, and reduce stress. This helps strengthen our immune system and resilience against diseases like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes that can gain footholds when we are run down. Mentally engaging play is just as important for wellness as the physical kind.

When we participate in active play like tag, dancing, or sports, our bodies release endorphins which act as natural painkillers. We also build muscular strength, cardiovascular health, and bone density. The more we incorporate physical play, the fitter our bodies become and the better equipped we are to combat chronic illnesses down the road.

As we age, making time for play certainly isn't just kid stuff. Finding enjoyable activities that get you moving and lift your spirits can go a long way towards supporting a healthy, disease-free life. So don't underestimate the power of play! Adding more opportunities for laughter, creativity and fun to your regular routine of proper nutrition and exercise can provide amazing benefits in combating common diseases.

How Does Play Combat Disease?

From childhood games of tag to adults enjoying a friendly game of tennis, play isn't just fun - it also offers tremendous health benefits. Here's a look at how different forms of play can help combat disease.

• Physical Play for Physical Health

Physical activity gets the blood pumping and works the muscles, joints, heart, and lungs. The same is true when that activity comes in the form of play! Whether you're running around playing tag, swimming laps, or going for a bike ride, if you're moving your body, you're improving your cardiovascular health. Physical play - especially the kind that gets your heart rate up - is linked to lower risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses. So make time for some active fun with sports, dancing, or any other physical games you enjoy. Your body will thank you!

• Mental Play for Brain Health

Play that challenges and stimulates the mind provides cognitive benefits that can help combat dementia and cognitive decline. Activities like puzzles, strategy games, and problem solving force your brain to work in new ways. Learning new skills also builds cognitive reserve. Even fun video games have been shown to sharpen attention, memory, and reaction time. By flexing your mental muscles, you can keep your brain active and delay dementia. So engage in brain-boosting play every day - crossword puzzles, sudoku, board games, or any mentally engaging activity you find fun!

• Creative Play for Emotional Health

Expressing yourself creatively through any form of play can work wonders for your mood and mental health. Arts, crafts, music, writing - any outlet for creativity helps process emotions, relieve stress and anxiety, and boost feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin. Next time you're feeling down or overwhelmed, try playing the piano, painting, journaling, or any creative hobby you enjoy. You may find it lifts your spirits and provides an emotional boost. Unleashing your inner artist helps promote positive emotions and greater life satisfaction. Make time for creative play!

The takeaway? Play isn't just for kids. Finding ways to incorporate different forms of play into your daily life - physical, mental, and creative - offers benefits for both body and mind. Stay active, keep learning, and express your creativity through play every day to combat disease and maintain health as you age.

Play Should be Part of our Everyday Life

When we were kids, playtime was a normal part of every day. From playground games at recess to imagination-fueled adventures in the backyard, play was an integral part of growing up. But somewhere along the way to adulthood, playtime takes a backseat to responsibility. Work, chores, and other obligations push play to the bottom of the priority list. Before we know it, play becomes a rare occurrence rather than an everyday necessity.

It's time to bring play back into our regular routines. Play shouldn't be viewed as a waste of time, but rather as time well spent on our mental and physical health. Pushing back against social pressures to be constantly productive allows us to make self-care a priority once again. In a country where obesity, diabetes, and hypertension rates continue to climb, play can be a preventative measure to avoid these health issues.

Playing more doesn't mean being irresponsible. It simply means making time for laughter, creativity, and joy. Play could be a game night with friends, learning a new skill, or setting aside 30 minutes a day to do something that lights you up. Keep it simple and fun.

The inner child in all of us needs playtime. Rather than deprive ourselves of this basic human need, let's make play a part of everyday life once again. Our minds and bodies will thank us.

Embrace Your Playful Side, Even When You Don't Feel Silly

Let's face it, as adults we often avoid feeling silly or carefree. We have responsibilities and prefer to come across as sensible and competent. But being overly serious all the time can take a toll. It leads to tension, stress, and prevents us from truly enjoying life's moments.

While it's important to be responsible, it's equally important to tap into your playful side. Playfulness releases feel-good hormones that boost your health and happiness. It helps you unwind, de-stress, and adds more joy and laughter to your days.

The good news is, you don't have to act silly to be playful. Simple things like smiling more, laughing at yourself in a gentle way, making jokes or puns, engaging in a fun hobby, playing with kids or pets, reading an amusing book, or watching a comedy show can help you embrace your playful spirit.

Give yourself permission to be less serious and rigid. Loosen up and have some fun. Playfulness is a mindset you can cultivate. Make the choice to not take yourself or life too seriously. Learn to laugh at little mistakes and imperfections. Tease in a kindhearted way. Crack a few jokes or puns. Engage in spontaneous or whimsical activities just for the sheer enjoyment of it.

While being responsible and productive are important life skills, so is learning to play and have fun. Make the time for playfulness and silliness. Give yourself opportunities to release pent up energy and tension through laughter and amusement. Your health and happiness depend on it. So go ahead, get your silly on!

Stay playful out there friends! Life is too short to always be so serious.