Playing Is Not Just for Kids: The Psychology of Adult Playfulness

As an adult, life can feel like a nonstop to-do list. Work, responsibilities, bills, and schedules can leave little room for fun — but that’s exactly why play matters.

Play isn't just for kids. When you let yourself laugh, be silly, explore new hobbies, or enjoy something just for fun, you're giving your brain a break. And that break does wonders for your mental health.

Why play is good for your brain

Play reduces stress, improves creativity, and helps you stay connected to others. It can boost your mood and even improve problem-solving skills. 

Whether it's dancing in your kitchen, playing board games, hiking, or painting just for fun—play helps you reset.

Play isn’t just for happy times either. According to two case studies published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, play — as seen through two soldiers in Ukraine and Israel, respectively — helped reduce stress even in adverse situations.

The bottom line is that when you make time for play, you're showing yourself that joy and rest matter. That mindset brings more calm, clarity, and resilience into your everyday life.

What counts as play for adults?

Play doesn't have to mean games and toys, although it absolutely can be part of it. For adults, play can look like:

• Trying a new hobby like drawing, sculpting, or cookie decorating
• Participating in a sport
• Laughing with friends
• Dancing
• Playing fetch with your dog
• Playing board games with friends
• Exploring nature
• Doing something just because it makes you happy

It’s important to note that what counts as play for you might not count as play for your friends, and vice versa. For example, if you enjoy jigsaw puzzles and are engaged while you solve one, that’s play. However, if your friend is bored by puzzles or frustrated with them, then that’s not ideal play for them.

In other words, if it helps you feel energized, connected, or more like yourself, it counts.

When play feels impossible

If you’re struggling with depression, playfulness might feel completely out of reach. You may feel numb, tired, or uninterested in things you once enjoyed. This isn’t laziness, it’s a real symptom of depression, and it can make even fun activities feel like a burden. In fact, it’s a symptom of several types of depression, including major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, and postpartum depression (PPD).

That’s why therapy is so important. At Body & Mind Consulting, we offer compassionate, personalized therapy to help you work through depression and reconnect with the joy in your life.

Therapy gives you space to process emotions, build new coping tools, and start feeling like yourself again so you can eventually enjoy play and laughter once more.

You deserve to play

Whether you’re ready to laugh again or just looking for your first step out of the fog, Body & Mind Consulting is here to help. Our therapy services and wellness programs are designed to support the whole you: mind, body, and spirit.

To learn more, give us a call at 615-310-1491 or request an appointment online today.