When was the last time you played? We’re not talking about hitting play on Cowboy Carter or a new Netflix series, but doing something purely for fun without any deeper purpose.
Defined by psychotherapist Sharnade George as ‘creative expression – or using your imagination to engage, explore and enjoy the world around you’, play can take many forms, whether it’s a kickaround on the pitch, unlocking a new gaming level or something more creative like cosplay or writing music.
See? Play isn’t just for kids, but it’s definitely where the benefits start. A research partnership between Barbie and Cardiff University revealed that playing with dolls like Barbie helped children with their social development and to grow empathy.
‘When children create imaginary worlds and role play with dolls, they communicate at first out loud and then internalise the message about others’ thoughts, emotions and feelings,’ says lead researcher Dr Sarah Gerson.
It’s a similar story for adults, where George confirms that play still helps us bond with others, as well as boosting our moods and regulating stress levels. Now that’s a reason to get gaming.
Here, in partnership with Barbie, three successful women share how play has shaped their lives.
For hairstylist Shamara Roper, hair is her playground. Growing up seeing her mum at work in a hair salon, Shamara had fun canerowing her friends’ hair after practising on a ‘terrifying’ doll’s head. At the time, there were no Afro-haired dolls on the market, but Shamara notes that when you don’t come from money, you become ‘resourceful’.
It’s a skill she’s carried through to adulthood, styling the likes of Clara Amfo, Griff and Priya Ragu with bold, creative designs that play with shape and texture. ‘I freestyle to blend my style with the talent’s personality and culture,’ Shamara says, bringing in accessories in unexpected and creative ways: think gold belts adorning bum-length braids and Indian bangles looped through a bun.
Keeping that element of play alive in her professional life is vital, she says. ‘Play allows you to connect with yourself and your senses, grounding you in the present moment. No matter how mature you want to be, always make room to play – embracing our inner child can be a form of healing,’ she continues. ‘It’s about that youthfulness of exploring and taking risks.’
Risk-taking is something Australian racing driver Caitlin Wood has in her blood. Growing up with older brothers, Caitlin thought the go-kart track was just where all families headed at the weekend, reaching for bikes and scooters alongside her Barbie dolls. She has now raced in the Australian Formula 4 Championship and GT4 European Series, as well as at Circuit Zolder, Misano World Circuit and Silverstone.
In a sport with so much safety regulation, Caitlin finds the playful element through the design of her car, suit and helmet (on which she favours a bright pink Homer Simpson doughnut motif). As Barbie’s 2024 Sports Ambassador, Caitlin will race a pink and blue Barbie Porsche Cayman at the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB. The only woman in the championship, Caitlin wants her style to be what makes her recognisable on the course rather than her gender.
‘I struggle with anxieties and the pressure I put on myself, but the excitement helps keep me in a positive mindset,’ she admits. Now, Caitlin is passing down this sense of excitement to the younger generation, wanting to inspire girls to chase opportunities they may never have thought they could pursue.
From cars to consoles… Jay-Ann Lopez is the founder of Black Girl Gamers, a multi-platform online gaming community for Black women. Her childhood was rich with controllers (no surprise), playing out on her East London street and competing at board and card games with her Jamaican family. ‘My family is very playful. It’s an expression of joy and connection for us,’ she says.
The former dancer and violinist says technological advancements in the industry (such as chat programmes including TeamSpeak and Discord) have fostered a sense of community around gaming. Solo play has a value for her too, though – allowing her to de-stress. ‘It’s very therapeutic. At Black Girl Gamers, we run a wellness week, during which we play softer, cosier games; games that are made to get you to take a minute.’
With us all needing escapism in adulthood more than ever, Jay-Ann is keen for people to see that all play is valid no matter your age. ‘I read somewhere that your thirties are the years you should be doing something your 13-year-old self would want to do. Everyone’s so concerned with the idea of what an adult should be, but they forget childhood is where you had some of your most pure, magical moments.’
So, anyone for a play date?
Since 1959, Barbie has helped girls raise their voices, tell their stories and realise that they can be anything. Find more about how Barbie is inspiring girls to follow their dreams