When thinking about play, you may relegate it to children. I mean, as an adult, I don’t typically get down on the floor and play with trucks, cars, and transformers. But I certainly do when my grandkids are around.
But how about when someone knocks on your door (figuratively speaking) and invites you to play. This could be an opportunity to take a break from work and go fishing. It could be a chance to put down that ever present cell phone and give your kids your full attention. It could even be a spontaneous moment of having coffee or dessert with your spouse.
It is easy for us to think (and I am guilty of this) “I am too busy with work and can’t take a break.” But recent research has determined that when you let that little kid inside you come out to play, it can “beef up your intuitive skills, improve your relationships and refine your ability to solve problems.”
As we enjoy this fall season, what a great time to play – go on a hike, take a bike ride, get away for the weekend, or even get on the floor and play with trucks, puzzles, coloring, and building blocks with the kids or grandkids.
Please don’t think that I am minimizing the importance of your work. But I would submit that when we take time to play, we will sharpen our skills that are likely to make our work more productive. Play can be a win-win. I hope you have some fun today.