The Importance of Adult Play
When was the last time you did something just for fun—with no agenda, no outcome, and no reason except to laugh and enjoy yourself?
As children, play comes naturally to us. We dress up, make up stories, build castles out of cardboard boxes and spend hours absorbed in worlds of imagination. But as adults, play often gets pushed aside. We get so focused on our goals, responsibilities, and to-do lists that we forget how to simply be—and we lose touch with the kind of joy that doesn’t come with a purpose or productivity.
A little while ago, I had a moment of realisation: I had been moving through life in a very linear way. Everything I did seemed to have a goal attached to it. Work goals. Fitness goals. Life goals. And somewhere along the way, I’d stopped doing anything that didn’t get me closer to something. I had become trapped in my own head.
I was hosting an online workshop through Harvest about finding your purpose. We were journalling about things we loved to do as children and then I remembered how much I loved dressing up as a child. The creativity of dreaming up a costume. The magic of stepping into a different character, an alter ego. So about a year ago, I started hosting themed parties for my friends—no occasion, no reason, just a theme and permission to get silly and creative again. We have done themes like wig night, dress up as something beginning with the letter ‘R’, dress up as your ex (this one got spicy!) and dress in a certain colour.
Now it’s become such a part of my life that whenever I send out an invite, the first thing my friends ask is: “What’s the theme?”
It has reminded me that play isn’t just for children—and it isn’t frivolous. It’s essential.
Why Play Matters for Adults
It brings us into the present moment and out of our overthinking minds.
It boosts creativity and helps us see the world differently.
It lowers stress levels and reconnects us with joy.
It creates stronger bonds with friends, family, and even ourselves.
Play doesn’t have to mean sports or games (though it can). It’s about doing something for the sheer pleasure of it—with no pressure to perform, improve, or achieve.
Journal Prompts to Rediscover Your Inner Playfulness
What did you love doing as a child that you don’t do anymore?
When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt?
If you had a whole day with no responsibilities, what would you do?
What’s something playful or silly you’ve always secretly wanted to try?
How could you add a little more lightness or fun into your everyday routine?
Ideas to Bring More Play Into Your Life
Host a themed dinner party (yes, costumes encouraged!)
Try a creative hobby like painting, pottery or dance—even if you’re “bad” at it
Fly a kite, climb a tree, or build a blanket fort (seriously)
Take an improv class or go see a comedy show
Put on music and dance in your kitchen with no one watching
Write a silly short story or poem, just for your own amusement
Remember: play doesn’t need to be practical or productive. In fact, the less “useful” it is, the better.
A Loving Nudge
Play is a portal back to yourself—the part of you that’s lighthearted, curious, and free. Start small. Say yes to silliness. And notice how your nervous system softens when you let yourself simply be.
So… when’s the last time you played?
