After digging into the science of play for a while, I’ve come to a simple conclusion.
We all need to PLAY more.
As it turns out, play isn’t just essential for kids to thrive – it’s also crucial for adults’ well-being. Play makes our life lively.
One of the leading experts on the subject is Dr Stuart Brown. He devoted his career to studying the power of play and distilled all his insights in a fantastic book – Play (check out our notes).
Last month, inspired by Dr Brown’s wisdom, I set sail on a journey to rediscover the joys of play.
Here is the first thing I’ve learned.
Play is a state of mind rather than an activity.
When it comes to play, most of us think of it as just another way to kill time or entertain ourselves.
Enter playing games. Board games, computer games, hide and seek. Whatever.
But one of my main insights from Dr Brown’s book is that play is not just about the activities we engage in but the mindset we bring to them. To truly experience the benefits of play, we must cultivate a playful state of mind.
Without it, any activity is just a mindless chore.
So how do we get into the playful mindset? Well, it all starts with figuring out what brings you the most joy. You need to discover your Play Personality and befriend it like it’s your new best friend.
Embrace your Play Personality
While you can turn pretty much any activity into play, it would be easier to get into the playful mood and experience flow if you engage in something that suits your Play Personality.
Dr Brown identified 8 Play Personalities that influence the way we approach play. Here is a quick look:
1. The Joker
The Joker is all about bringing laughter and joy to others. They don’t take things too seriously and enjoy telling jokes and pulling pranks. They thrive on making others happy.
2. The Kinesthete
The Kinesthete loves to move their body and is always on the go. They feel most alive when they are physically active, whether it’s through sports, dance, or yoga. They are often in their element when they are pushing themselves physically.
3. The Explorer
The Explorer is all about seeking out new experiences. They are always up for an adventure and enjoy exploring uncharted territory. They love trying new foods, meeting new people, and travelling to new places.
4. The Competitor
The Competitor loves to win and is always up for a challenge. They enjoy playing games and creating competitions and thrive on the rush of victory. They are often in their element when they are competing against others.
5. The Director
The Director loves to organise and plan. They are often the ones who throw parties, plan events, and take charge of group activities. They enjoy being in control and are often in their element when they are leading others.
6. The Collector
The Collector loves gathering and collecting things, whether it’s stamps, coins, or experiences. They enjoy immersing themselves in their hobbies and often have an encyclopedic knowledge of their collections.
7. The Artist/Creator
The Artist/Creator loves to make things, whether it’s through painting, sculpting, or crafting. They have a deep appreciation for beauty and enjoy expressing themselves through their creations. They are often in their element when they are bringing their imagination to life.
8. The Storyteller
The Storyteller loves to tell stories, whether it’s through writing, acting, or performing. They enjoy sharing their experiences with others and often have a gift for captivating audiences with their words.
It’s pretty simple, like one of those little kid puzzles. Just figure out which type of play you’re most into, and then have fun trying out different activities that fit your Play Personality.
If you are The Artist/Creator, why not try Sip and Sculpt event? The Storyteller? Sign up for a local acting class!
You get the idea.
After reflecting for a while, I came to the conclusion that my dominant play personality is the Explorer, with a mix of the Kinesthete and the Director.
Guess what did I do in April to embrace my play personality?
- Went on a road trip from London to Southern France. Camping. Hiking. With kids (obviously);
- Explored Turkish culture and enjoyed a fantastic Turkish pianist’s concert;
- Organised a date in a new place;
- Experimented with the Playful Parent personality (that was so much fun – more on that later)
This month I’m into throwing three birthday parties for my boys, organising our epic 10th wedding anniversary celebration and training for a half marathon.
Now it’s your turn. What is your play personality, and how can you bring more fun into your life?
Loads of love,
Irina
