The Power of Play: Why You Need More Fun in Your Life
Do you play every day?
Be honest—when was the last time you played just for the sake of playing? Not to win. Not to be productive. Not because you had to. Just for the sheer joy of it.
For most adults, play is something we used to do when we were kids. But somewhere between deadlines, responsibilities, and keeping everything together, we stopped. We started believing that play is frivolous, a waste of time, something that doesn’t belong in the “real world” of adulthood.
But here’s the reality: play is essential. It’s not just a stress reliever—it’s a powerful tool for creativity, problem-solving, emotional resilience, and even leadership. If you want to level up in life, reduce stress, and improve your relationships, play is one of the most overlooked (yet most effective) ways to do it.
And science backs this up.
What Happens When You Play?
When we engage in play, a cascade of positive changes happens in our brains and bodies. Studies show that play:
Reduces stress – When we play, our body releases endorphins, our natural “feel-good” chemicals. Endorphins reduce stress, improve mood, and even help relieve pain.
Enhances cognitive function – Games that require problem-solving (puzzles, strategy games, memory challenges) strengthen neural connections, improve focus, and keep our minds sharp. A study from the National Institute on Aging found that adults who engage in mentally stimulating activities are less likely to experience cognitive decline.
Boosts creativity – Play activates the brain’s right hemisphere, where creativity and innovation thrive. Some of the greatest breakthroughs in history came when people were in a playful, exploratory state—Einstein himself credited imaginative play as the key to his theories.
Improves relationships – Research from the American Journal of Play (yes, that’s a real publication!) suggests that play enhances trust, communication, and emotional connection. In fact, couples who play together report higher levels of satisfaction in their relationships.
Strengthens leadership skills – Engaging in play makes you more adaptable, more open to new ideas, and better at problem-solving—all key qualities of great leaders. It also helps you connect with others in a way that fosters collaboration and trust.
Play and the DISC Personalities: How You Play Reveals Who You Are
Play looks different for everyone, and a lot of that comes down to personality. Whether you realize it or not, your approach to fun often aligns with your DISC personality type.
D (Dominant, Driven, Decisive) – You probably love competitive play. Strategy games, escape rooms, or anything that challenges you to win is your jam. Playing fuels your desire for achievement and keeps your problem-solving skills sharp.
I (Influential, Interactive, Inspiring) – You thrive on social play. Group games, improv, or anything that involves laughter and connection lights you up. Play is how you build relationships and energize those around you.
S (Steady, Supportive, Sympathetic) – You enjoy cooperative play—team activities, creative outlets like storytelling or art, or peaceful games that allow you to relax and connect with others. For you, play is about bonding and feeling a sense of belonging.
C (Conscientious, Calculated, Cautious) – You lean toward structured play—puzzles, brain teasers, strategic board games, or even solo activities like chess. Play allows you to engage deeply, analyze, and refine your skills.
Understanding your natural play style can help you intentionally incorporate more of it into your life in a way that feels enjoyable rather than forced.
Bringing Play Back Into Your Life
You don’t need to overhaul your schedule to make room for play. Small, intentional moments of fun can make a huge impact on your stress levels, creativity, and overall well-being. Here’s how to get started:
Make it a habit – Set aside time every day, even if it’s just 10 minutes, for something playful. Doodle, toss a ball, play a quick card game, or dance around your kitchen.
Mix it into your social life – Instead of just grabbing dinner with friends, add an element of play. Try trivia night, an escape room, or a creative activity like painting or pottery.
Use play to break tension – Next time you’re in a tough conversation or facing a roadblock, inject some lightheartedness. A little humor or a playful approach can diffuse tension and lead to better outcomes.
Reconnect with childhood joys – What did you love as a kid? Coloring, building with LEGOs, riding your bike? Rediscover those simple joys and see how they make you feel now.
Engage in creative play – Activities like transitional mandalas (as seen in the photo!) can be a fun and stress-relieving way to reconnect with yourself. Creative play helps process emotions, reduce anxiety, and boost problem-solving skills.
Play Isn’t Just for Fun—It’s a Leadership Tool
Bringing play into your workplace or team environment isn’t just about stress relief—it’s about developing stronger leaders, fostering innovation, and improving team dynamics.
If you’d like to bring the joy of play and leadership development into your workplace, I can help! From The Leadership Game Experience, which uncovers leadership strengths and challenges in a fun, engaging way, to creative activities with objective-driven lessons, play can be used to:
✔ Improve communication and teamwork
✔ Strengthen problem-solving skills
✔ Enhance adaptability and resilience
✔ Build trust and collaboration
Ready to inject more creativity, connection, and leadership development into your team or organization? Let’s talk about how play can transform your workplace.
