Not Just for Kids: Why Playfulness Helps Adults Tackle Adversity

It’s widely accepted that play is an important part of childhood development. But what about adults? Researchers are learning more about the role of playfulness in adulthood and what it means for mental and physical health.

While definitions of “playfulness” differ across psychology, it often acts as a transformative device or personality trait that allows people to reframe experiences as enjoyable or engaging. Adults who tend to be more playful may experience increased productivity, creativity, and innovation. Researchers have also found that these adults have greater emotional intelligence and academic performance.

Clinical psychologist Cindy Morris, PsyD, says this tends to be true in her line of work, too. Morris endorses the idea of play both with her patients and in teaching fellow providers as the clinical director of the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program (BHWP) at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.

“It’s so important for adults,” she says. “There’s a lot we can learn about ourselves and the world through play, and it can ultimately enhance everyday life, especially when we’re facing difficult times or living in a world where stress can be difficult to escape.”

Morris shares the role of playfulness and how everybody can incorporate it into their wellness routine.

This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.

We often associate play with childhood, but what makes it important for adult life, too?

As we develop into adulthood, our brain can end up working against us in some ways. Brains are set up to be as efficient as possible, so over the years we develop many automatic habits. Since many of our behaviors are habits, it's important for adults to be able to play and engage in different behaviors. When we play, we're able to refocus ourselves away from those habits that may no longer serve us. It also helps us to understand ourselves, other people, and our environment differently.

What counts and doesn’t count as “play”?

It’s unique to the person and what their goals are, and I think play ceases to be play when we do things solely for accomplishment or competition, or out of obligation. For example, I love to cook, and I love testing out new recipes, but it stops being fun at Thanksgiving dinner when I need everything to be done at once and I’m trying to impress all of my guests.

Can work be play?

It can! When we follow our excitement, passion, and interest, that is play. Play isn’t always playing games, telling jokes, and laughing. There are times when you may be working harder than you’ve ever worked, and it’s something you’re passionate and excited about which makes it feels more like play than work.

It’s important that we love ourselves enough and are disciplined enough to refocus ourselves toward things that feel good, whether it's play, work, or creativity. The word “discipline” feels kind of far from “play” for most people, but we need it so we’re not distracted by those things in the world that really don't deserve our attention and our energy.

There’s growing evidence about what playfulness means for behavioral health. How do you see this manifest in patients or the people around you?

Play helps us feel a full range of emotions. If you tend to feel depressed or anxious, play can expand your range of emotion, even if it’s just for a specific task or moment. Play can also challenge us to try something new, build new skills, and increase resilience.

What’s your advice for people who might think they’re too busy for play or isn’t applicable to them?

Start somewhere and see where it goes. You’ll likely find that it broadens your world view, forces you out of your shell a little bit, and supplies a distraction when other parts of your life may be stressful. Play can be small moments, like reading a few jokes instead of “doomscrolling” or playing a word game with friends or family members.

Play doesn’t have to take over your life for it to be beneficial.