Grown Folks Need Play, Too

And, Here's Why

Quick question — when was the last time you played?

Not worked out, not ran errands, not brunched, but actually played, and laughed-so-hard-you-couldn’t-breathe, let-yourself-be-silly type of play.

If it’s been a minute, you’re not alone. Somewhere between school projects and job promotions, a lot of us got the message that play is just for kids. Once we became “adults”, we stopped going to the playgrounds, and we started treating play like it was something we have to earn.

Here’s the truth, though: Play is essential at every age.

Science Says: Adults Need Play, Too

In his book, Play, Dr. Stuart Brown, a researcher who studies play for a living, says play isn’t just a luxury—it’s a biological necessity. Play keeps our creativity flowing, lowers stress, and helps us build stronger connections with others.

Grown folks who make time to play experience:

✅ More joy (obviously)

✅ Better problem-solving skills (hello, innovation!)

✅ Stronger relationships (because playful people make everything more fun)

✅ Lower stress and higher emotional resilience

So… What Counts as Play?

Good news, my friend—there are no rules. Play can be anything that sparks curiosity, makes you smile, or lets you lose track of time. It could be:

• Dancing in your kitchen (I do this often)

• Sharing wild stories with your friends

• Playing cards, painting, hula hooping, or even climbing trees (haven’t climbed a tree in years)

• Picking up an old hobby just for fun (for me that’s crochet and calligraphy)

Play isn’t about being good at it. It’s about the joy of doing it. Period.

Play is Radical Self-Care

Play connects you back to your inner child—the part of you that existed before anyone told you who you should be.

It’s a reminder that joy is your birthright, not a reward you have to earn.

This weekend, I’m inviting you to play like your joy depends on it—because it does.

Whether it’s with paint, paper, a soccer ball, a silly game with your bestie, or just your own imagination, give yourself permission to have fun for no reason at all.

Let’s reclaim joy. Let’s normalize grown folks’ playtime. If I get enough responses, I just might create a “Grown Folks’ Playbook”, and I’d love to add your ideas to it.

With joy and curiosity, let this message be your permission slip to go be silly this weekend, forward this with a friend who could use the same reminder. Let’s spread this joy around.

Out in These Internet Streets

Here are a few more books about play:

• The Power of Fun by Catherine Price

• Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

• Play Anything: The Pleasure of Limits, the Uses of Boredom, and the Secret of Games by Ian Bogost

• The Playful Mind: How to Restore the Happiness We Experienced as Children by Patrick Bateson and Paul Martin