The Importance Of Play

Editor’s note: I’m sharing what I wrote in my latest newsletter since it sparked a couple of conversations, and I didn’t want the lovely readers of my blog to miss out!

What’s more, I came across another thought-provoking article about play and creativity and thought it too needed to be shared. Click here for Why Play Is Essential For Creativity.

Finally, if you’d like to sign up to my newsletter, please click on the following link here and be kept up to date regarding my latest work, reflections, creativity tips, special offers, upcoming exhibitions/workshops, etc.

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Playing with Plate PaintingI first came across Dr. Stuart Brown only a few weeks ago when one of my friends, Ed Ley from Absolute Health, mentioned his name and his research on play in one of his newsletters. I loved what Ed said about it and my curiosity was piqued. I googled Dr. Stuart Brown and came across his work, the National Institute for Play and one of his TED Talks.

I watched Dr. Stuart Brown’s TED Talk the other day and thought it was brilliant. He shared a fair amount of science and drew comparisons with the animal kingdom.

One thing he said that struck a chord was the following quote:

“The opposite of play isn’t work, it’s depression.”

Play helps with learning, creative thinking, tapping into your creativity and innovation, for example. As children that is how we learnt to socialise, relate and discover. Play was an adventure. It still is an adventure if we allow it.

As adults we tend to think play is childish and irresponsible. It has a bad rep.

But when I am talking about play here, I am referring to being more light-hearted, open and viewing the world with wonder and curiosity rather than with dread and fear.

Play has also been such a key ingredient in my own health and well-being. It was the missing piece for a long time, and even though I know how important it is, I sometimes still forget to include it in my day!

So I’ll be reflecting on ways I can be more playful more frequently. Another thing Dr. Stuart Brown mentioned was using your hands and objects in your play. Also playfulness in social interactions. Having a playful mindset when approaching ‘dull’ tasks.

What can you do to inject more play into your day-to-day activities and your life overall? Feel free to share with me in the comments below!

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2 thoughts on “The Importance Of Play”

  • Love this post Carrie. Thank you for the reminder to play. It plays a big role in what I do too and it’s always important to remember to be playful in your everyday responsibilities too.

    • Thanks Colleen – and apologies for not approving your comment sooner. I’m pleased it served as a reminder, it seems to be a great way to stay sane in life!

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