It’s officially summer and if there is a season dedicated to play, this is it. When was the last time you played? And by play I mean, spending time in an activity that is engaging, self-chosen, self-directed, internally motivating and rewarding. Was it yesterday, last weekend, on your last vacation?
     Play is an important part of a balanced life and positively impacts our mental health. It decreases stress, and increases optimism, problem solving, motivation and a sense of belonging. Because our culture rewards productivity, play is often relegated to the back burner. Even by middle school, recess periods are shortened to achieve learning goals and pass end of grade testing. By the time we’re adults most of us have lost the skill of playing as we focus on our career path and tend to our home, family and community responsibilities. 
     The National Institute for Play links lack of play to depression and anxiety. It can be both a symptom and a contributing factor to negative mood states. This is exacerbated by our society’s emphasis on consumption, whether it be media (social, news, entertainment), products, food or alcohol. Often after a long day accomplishing tasks at work and home we “relax” by scrolling through social media, watching movies, or binging on a show with multiple episodes. I have many clients who do both at the same time, stating that simply watching a movie without doing something else is difficult. This is mind numbing, rather than engaged play.  
Focusing on productivity and then passively consuming is not a recipe for good mental health.   
     The good news is that adding more play into our lives doesn’t have to be difficult, or expensive. It happens with the right mindset. This became apparent to me last week, when I had writer’s block. Writing, although challenging at times, is something I’ve always considered play. Imagining a story unfold in my mind, developing plot twists and characters has always been a fun and sometimes magical place to be. What changed?
     When I explored the cause of my writer’s block I found self criticism was the culprit.  “You don’t have any new ideas to share;” “You’ve barely made any progress on your new novel and have written no blogs.” I began to pressure myself to produce, to hurry up, get something accomplished. Sound familiar? As soon as I did this the fun was gone and it was work, thus the block. I changed my inner dialogue to “Have fun;” and “Who cares?” and almost immediately I came up with the idea for this blog. Writing felt like play again once I turned the volume down on my self criticism.
     I hope that you already have many outlets for play, but if you need to step up your game in this area, here are some tips on increasing play.Identify what feels like play to you. Do you like creating things, being outside, being with others, physical movement? If you need inspiration check out the different play personalities    nifplay.org/what-is-play/play-personalities/ on the National Institute for Play’s website. Save time and integrate play into activities you’re already doing. Put the windows down and sing at the top of your lungs as you drive home from work; play a board game with your family instead of watching another movie; play with your cat or dog; make your exercise routine more playful with a different running route, a new exercise, inviting friends to join you. Make play a priority by scheduling time to play regularly. Even small bursts of play like blowing bubbles, dancing in the kitchen to your favorite song, or shooting an LED spin copter into the night sky before bed can improve your mood. Full disclosure, I have experience with the spin copter and it is FUN:) Play in your hometown by going somewhere and doing something you’ve never done before, maybe it’s eating at a new restaurant, playing putt-putt, walking through a new neighborhood, or creating art at a painting or pottery business. Turn the volume down on your inner critic when you’re engaged in your play activity. Don’t pressure yourself to perform or create at a certain level and don’t judge yourself for looking silly or childish. Use mindfulness to stay present in the moment. Remember, a flexible, open mindset is an important part of play.
Play is not a luxury but a necessity for good mental health. The happier you are, the more positively you impact those around you. 
Please share in the comments your favorite form of play.