I mentioned in the self care article the importance of having fun. According to William Glasser’s Choice Theory fun is a basic need in all humans. Play can be any activity that is not considered “serious” or “work,” and it is as necessary in adults as it is in children. Play deprivation can have major impacts on mammalian brain development. John Byers, professor of zoology at the University of Idaho, says that among “mammals with well-developed play, the behavior represents a substantial energy expenditure and may involve physical risk. These two facts indicate that play most likely is involved in post-natal brain development (in mammals, a larger adult brain size requires a longer period of development), and the benefit of play must be substantial (to outweigh the energy and risk costs).”

A sense of play can aid in the development of emotional regulation and creativity. Unstructured play, where partners have to negotiate the rules, that is most important for the beneficial effects on the prefrontal cortex.

In our busy lives it can be difficult to slow down and find avenues for play, yet it is crucial in helping us renew and recharge. The benefits are only just being discovered, and we already know that having fun will improve your health, ignite creativity, and aid in emotional regulation.

So take some time to kick your shoes off and actively play, whether with your kids or animals or friends or even just by yourself. Find a way to incorporate spontaneous, unstructured fun into your daily routine. You will thank yourself later.