So, hubby and I threw a house party last night and about 20-25 adults played what are traditionally considered games for children! I'm a big fan of fun, adventure and bonding, so we pulled out all our chairs and played musical chairs (I won the first round, might I add, haha). People might think, WHAT!?? How old are you, but theres actually lots of research behind the benefits of playing. According to the non-profit website, Helpguide.org, "Play is as important to our physical and mental health as getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising.". Normally people stop playing as they enter into adulthood, but its actually counterproductive to stop playing. Adults focus on work, TV and the occasional week-long vacation. This causes a pile-up of stress, anxiety and even sadness and loneliness at times. "Play teaches us how to manage and transform our 'negative' emotions and experiences. It supercharges learning, helps us relieve stress, and connects us to others and the world around us." Last night we were all connected, joking around and having a ball! We danced as we weaved around the chairs, sang along with the music and played around with each other. We cheered on the finalists and congratulated the winners! PS: It helps when there are beverages involved as well!
Cheers to fun, games and house parties!
"What do most Nobel Laureates, innovative entrepreneurs, artists and performers, well-adjusted children, happy couples and families, and the most successfully adapted mammals have in common? They play enthusiastically throughout their lives."
~ Stuart Brown, Institute of Play
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