Playfulness and Play for Adults

Reclaiming Joy, Rest, and Mental Flexibility Through Play

When we think about play, we often picture children running, laughing, or building elaborate imaginary worlds. But play is not just for kids. It is a powerful, often overlooked tool for adults to regulate emotions, recover from burnout, and reconnect with creativity. In today’s fast-paced world, play may seem frivolous or even irresponsible, but research tells a different story. Play is essential for mental health, and rediscovering it can significantly improve our overall well-being.

Redefining What Counts as Play

One of the reasons adults tend to avoid play is that we misunderstand what it actually is. Play does not have to involve games, toys, or athletic ability. It can be any activity that feels joyful, spontaneous, creative, or restorative. It can be structured or free-form, social or solo, physical or imaginative. For example, for one person, play might mean painting without a purpose. For another, it might be salsa dancing, playing music, hiking, or even joking with coworkers. The unifying factor is not the activity itself, but how it feels: energizing, immersive, and fun.

The National Institute for Play defines adult play as “a state of being that is purposeless, fun, and pleasurable.” That doesn’t mean it lacks value. On the contrary, that freedom from productivity is what makes it so mentally nourishing.

The Psychological Case for Play

Positive psychology research has shown that play promotes resilience, emotional flexibility, and social connection. It gives our brains a break from goal-driven thinking and allows us to enter a more relaxed, creative mental state. Studies have found that adults who regularly engage in playful activities report lower stress levels, better problem-solving skills, and stronger relationships.

According to the Mental Health Commission of Canada, activities that promote joy and creativity can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety and increase one’s ability to bounce back from adversity. Play is also strongly linked to the experience of flow, that deeply satisfying feeling of being fully immersed in something you enjoy, where time seems to disappear.

In clinical settings, psychologists sometimes incorporate playful interventions into therapy. These can include role play, expressive arts, movement, or storytelling. These methods help clients shift perspective, access buried emotions, or explore new ways of coping,  especially when language alone falls short.

A Buffer Against Burnout

For professionals, especially those in high-demand fields like health care, education, and mental health, burnout is a growing concern. Emotional exhaustion and chronic stress can gradually diminish our capacity to care for others and for ourselves.

This is where play can act as a preventative tool. Taking time for playful experiences interrupts stress patterns and allows the nervous system to reset. It also cultivates a sense of agency and curiosity, which are essential for staying motivated and engaged.

Research published in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry notes that engaging in leisure-time activities that are meaningful and enjoyable can reduce psychological distress and improve quality of life. Play provides emotional release, builds social bonds, and helps us recover from the effects of emotional labor.

Play vs. Passive Entertainment

While watching TV or scrolling social media can be enjoyable, these passive activities do not offer the same benefits as active play. True play invites us to participate, make choices, and lose ourselves in something spontaneous or creative. It might require more effort upfront, but the rewards are far greater in terms of mood, connection, and cognitive stimulation.

It’s also worth noting that adult play is not necessarily screen-free. Video games, digital art, or online improv groups can be highly playful and immersive. The difference lies in intention and engagement. Is the activity leaving you more energized or more drained? Are you creating or just consuming?

Making Space for Play in Adult Life

Reclaiming play as an adult often requires unlearning old beliefs about what is “productive.” Many of us have internalized the idea that fun is only earned after work is done, or that leisure is selfish or immature. This mindset can be especially entrenched for people in caregiving roles or those with high expectations for achievement.

But the truth is, playful people tend to be more adaptable, less reactive, and more open to new experiences. They are also better able to cope with change and uncertainty, key traits for thriving in adulthood.

If you are not sure where to start, consider these ideas:

• Think about what you enjoyed as a child. Is there a way to revisit or reinvent it?
  
  

• Explore a new hobby that focuses on process, not outcome.
  
  

• Schedule time for unstructured activity, even ten minutes a day matters.
  
  

• Connect with friends or family over something lighthearted.
  
  

• Give yourself permission to try something silly or out of your comfort zone.
  
  

Psychologists and psychological associates often help clients reconnect with joy and identify what activities bring vitality. Therapy can also be a space to challenge limiting beliefs about worth, rest, and identity — all of which affect our capacity for play.

Play at Work

While play is often associated with leisure, it also has a place in the workplace. Research from Simon Fraser University suggests that incorporating playful elements into professional environments can improve collaboration, reduce stress, and increase innovation.

This might look like team-building games, creative brainstorming exercises, or simply fostering a culture where curiosity and levity are welcome. For mental health professionals, modeling playfulness in appropriate ways can also help clients feel more relaxed and open in therapeutic settings.

Reclaiming Joy and Flexibility

In a culture that often values busyness over balance, play offers a radical act of restoration. It reminds us that joy is not childish — it is essential. It allows us to step outside the roles we perform each day and reconnect with who we are at our core: creative, curious, and capable of joy.

Play gives us space to explore, express, and imagine. It helps us manage stress, recover energy, and build resilience. In short, it supports psychological health in a way few other activities can.

If you are feeling stuck, depleted, or disconnected, consider this a gentle invitation: make room for play.