Rediscovering Play
An Overlooked Key to Health and Happiness
As we grow up, play is often dismissed as childish or unproductive. Society encourages us to "be responsible," prioritizing work, family, and to-do lists over spontaneity and joy.
But play is not just for kids!
Our nervous systems are wired and desire to engage with others in activities that fill us with excitement and joy and we do not age out of this desire.
Simply put, play isn’t just fun—it’s a biological necessity.
Play, the Vagus Nerve, and Your Nervous System
One of the most powerful yet underrated benefits of play is its impact on the vagus nerve, a key component of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate stress, digestion, and heart rate.
The vagus nerve acts like a reset button for our nervous system, shifting us from a state of fight or flight (stress mode) into rest and digest (calm and healing mode). Play naturally stimulates the vagus nerve through laughter, deep breathing, social connection, and movement—all of which activate our body’s relaxation response.
Laughter increases vagal tone, reducing stress and improving mood.
Social play (like games, storytelling, or friendly competition) strengthens social bonds, which directly enhances vagus nerve function and emotional resilience.
Physical play (like dancing, yoga, hiking, or playing with your dog) engages the body in intentional movement, which has been shown to activate the vagus nerve and improve overall well-being.
By incorporating play into our lives, we’re not just having fun—we’re supporting our nervous system, reducing inflammation, improving digestion, and even enhancing our body’s ability to heal.
Giving Ourselves Permission to Play
As we grow up, play is often dismissed as childish or unproductive. Society encourages us to "be responsible," prioritizing work, family, and to-do lists over spontaneity and joy.
We chase an ever-moving finish line, believing that once we’ve checked every box, we’ll finally deserve a break when we can schedule something fun to do. But the list never ends or when we are free we are too exhausted to do anything other than curl up on the couch.
Children instinctively know how to play. But as adults, we often struggle to define what play means for us. We’re not likely to grab dolls or action figures—but that doesn’t mean play isn’t for us.
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, identifies eight “play personalities” to help adults rediscover what feels naturally fun:
The Collector – Finds joy in gathering and curating, whether it’s books, vinyl records, seashells, etc.
The Competitor – Loves games with rules, from board games to sports.
The Creator – Finds play in making—painting, cooking, woodworking, or designing.
The Director – Enjoys planning events and leading activities.
The Explorer – Plays through discovery, whether by traveling, learning, or seeking new experiences.
The Joker – Thrives on humor, playfully engaging with others through jokes and silliness.
The Kinesthete – Experiences play through movement, like dancing, hiking, or yoga.
The Storyteller – Delights in narratives, whether through writing, acting, or storytelling.
What play personality do you have?
Even a Few Minutes Can Make a Difference
Bringing play into your life doesn’t require hours of free time. Even five minutes of pure joy can make a difference.
So here’s a challenge—for you and for me: Every day, take five minutes to play. Dance, go outside, draw, play with your dog, watch a funny video, explore a new hobby, or do anything that fills you with joy.
Let go of the to-do lists, the responsibilities, and the need to be “productive.” Give yourself full permission to embrace joy, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. Even if you feel guilty, silly, or judge yourself for playing.
So take a deep breath, shake off the weight of expectation, and let yourself play. Not tomorrow. Not when everything is done. Today!