How to Bring More Playfulness to Your Everyday Life

As Americans face an era of economic uncertainty, social division, and technological upheaval, many are seeking comfort in tangible pursuits. But according to Mia Sundstrom, CEO of the National Institute for Play, what people crave most is something far more elusive: play.

The distinction between “play” and other terms like “leisure,” “entertainment,” or “recreation” is crucial. Play is a state of mind characterized by experimentation, risk-taking, and curiosity. In an age where attention spans are shrinking and lives are increasingly fragmented, play has become a luxury we can no longer afford.

The statistics on American playfulness are stark: attention spans are dwindling, polarization is rising, and even human communication is being disrupted by AI-powered chatbots. Sundstrom describes this societal landscape as a “play drought.” But what does this mean for business leaders, policymakers, and everyday citizens?

For starters, it highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of play’s role in adult life. We often assume that play is exclusive to children, but Sundstrom’s research suggests otherwise: playful people experience less stress, higher well-being, and greater life satisfaction.

To cultivate a more playful society, Sundstrom offers practical tips for incorporating play into daily lives. First, individuals need to identify their own “play style” by recalling past memories of joy or experimenting with new experiences. This might involve reflecting on activities that bring happiness and help time pass quickly.

Next, people should create environments conducive to play. This doesn’t require breaking the budget for team-building retreats or hiring life coaches; it’s about making small changes to physical and digital spaces, such as adding bright colors or doodling on scrap paper while on the phone.

Finally, Sundstrom suggests incorporating bite-sized versions of play into daily routines, whether that means taking a 30-second dance break or singing in the shower. These tiny moments can trigger creativity and foster a more playful mindset.

However, America’s play drought is not just about individual action; it’s also about societal change. As Sundstrom notes, we need to reclaim space for play in our lives – even in the face of adversity. This requires shifting how we approach work, leisure, and community, recognizing that play is a necessity that can help build resilience, creativity, and adaptability.

As policymakers and business leaders grapple with challenges of the era, they should take note of Sundstrom’s emphasis on prioritizing play and creativity. By doing so, they can create a more innovative, empathetic, and joyful society – one better equipped to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.

This won’t be easy; it will require challenging assumptions about work, leisure, and community, prioritizing play over productivity, and creativity over conformity. It demands confronting the uncomfortable truth that America’s play drought is not just a personal problem but a societal crisis – one that requires collective action and a fundamental rethinking of what it means to be playful in adulthood.