When was the last time you played?
When was the last time you even thought about playing?
Do you even know what play looks like for you as an adult—or how you would want to do it?
These were the exact questions I found myself asking at the start of 2025. And I had no clue what the answers were.
Even more surprisingly? When I asked other women these same questions, they didn’t have the answers either.
How could something that came so naturally to us in childhood just vanish into thin air? Where did our sense of play go? And more importantly—how do we get it back?
It’s no wonder that life can sometimes feel dull, monotonous, and heavy. We were meant to play. And when we forget, we feel it—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
George Bernard Shaw once said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
Play keeps us vital and alive. In yogic philosophy, it energizes what we call prana—our life force. From play arises joy, creativity, lightness, and presence.
So… why do we stop?
Why We Stop Playing
The biggest reason? We’re socialized out of it.
From an early age, we’re put on the hamster wheel of achievement—chasing good grades, excelling in sports or activities, getting into college, landing a respectable job. Productivity becomes king, and play gets pushed aside.
We’re taught—explicitly and implicitly—that play isn’t valuable because it doesn’t lead to a specific outcome.
And as our to-do lists grow with adulthood responsibilities, play is often the first thing to go.
But here’s the truth: play is essential for our well-being. It deserves a comeback.
What Is Play?
At some point, my life started to feel like one long to-do list.
Even the things I loved doing—like writing, podcasting, and coaching—were always tied to an outcome.
Play is different.
Play is done for the sake of play.
That’s it. No goal. No purpose other than joy.
It’s something you do simply because it feels good. You might gain something from it—or you might not. It doesn’t matter. The point is the process, not the result.
What We Can Learn From Children
Ever watched a child play?
Give them an empty box or a Tupperware lid and they’ll turn it into a spaceship or a castle. The world becomes their playground.
They lose track of time and space, deeply immersed in their imagination and joy. In that space, they’re:
- Scientists, experimenting with what works and what doesn’t.
- Creators, inventing entirely new worlds.
- Explorers, discovering how their bodies move and respond.
Play is a vehicle for their growth, expansion, and learning.
And that benefit doesn’t disappear just because we grow up.
Health Benefits of Play
Modern research backs this up: play is good for our overall health and happiness. It boosts creativity, gratitude, patience, resilience, and optimism.
It helps us:
- Cope with stress
- Improve immune function
- Deepen connection—with ourselves, others, and the world
As a coach who helps women uncover their soul’s purpose (or Dharma), I’ve found that play is a key ingredient in that journey.
Play calms the nervous system, anchors us in the present moment, and opens the door to our higher self. It reveals how we naturally express our essence—and helps us understand how we can live in alignment with our soul’s purpose.
Eight Types Of Play
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, outlines eight different play personalities. Knowing yours can help you rediscover what play looks like for you now—as an adult.
1. The Collector – Finds joy in gathering things: plants, records, vintage books, sea glass, etc. They love variations and treasure the uniqueness of each item.
2. The Competitor – Loves games, sports, or anything involving a challenge. If you light up at the idea of winning or testing your skills, this is your lane.
3. The Creator/Artist – Finds joy in making things. Think painting, cooking, decorating, writing, gardening, or crafting.
4. The Director – Loves planning, organizing, and leading. Whether it’s a party, a team project, or a vacation itinerary, this type of play is about orchestrating experiences.
5. The Explorer – Craves novelty. This could mean travel, trying new foods, learning something new, or even diving into new ideas.
6. The Joker – Finds joy in humor, silliness, and laughter. You might be the one always cracking jokes or lighting up the room with your playful energy.
7. The Kinesthete – Engages in play through movement. Yoga, dance, hiking, rock climbing, or simply being in your body brings this person joy.
8. The Storyteller – Loves both creating and experiencing stories. Writing, performing, journaling, or even getting lost in movies or books fits here.
Do you see yourself in any of these?
Can you spot where play is already showing up—or where it might want to re-enter your life?
Putting Play Into Practice
The first step? Recognize that play is valuable. Ask yourself:
- Do I believe play is a worthy use of my time?
- Do I believe I am worthy of the joy, well-being, and vitality play brings?
If the answer is yes, it’s time to start playing with play.
Look back at the eight types of play.
Which ones spark something in you?
What feels exciting, even if you haven’t tried it in a long time?
Start small.
Do it alone.
Or with your partner, your kids, or a friend.
There’s no wrong way to play—only your way.
Jump in.
Explore.
Let go of the outcome.
I promise: you’ll enjoy the ride.
