We all know that play is a key part of child development. It’s a way that children learn to express their creativity, stay active, and most importantly, learn how to interact with others. When children aren’t allowed to play, they lack all these developmental skills. It makes it harder for them to process difficult emotions and therefore puts them at greater risk of mental health issues.

Some studies say that playtime is almost as important as sleep, so why is it that as we get older we stop playing?

If you ask anyone my age to go out and play, they’ll most likely say “I’m lazy” or “I have homework” and that’s the problem. They’ll call you crazy and then go back to doing whatever they were preoccupied with.  As we become older, our priorities change. The playtime that we wanted over everything else as children are knocked down by school and work and hence, the decreasing amount of playtime. 

Not to mention the social norms that look down upon adults for enjoying “childish activities” like playing, however, this overlooks the impact that playtime can have on our mental and emotional well-being. According to the NIFP (National Institute for Play), playtime can reduce stress, and brain function and even increase productivity. 

In Japan, the concept of “karoshi” or death by overwork is abundant. This has led to a growing movement towards promoting a more playful and balanced environment. Companies are opting for “playful” office environments, like Google for example. Google is notorious for having a fun and relaxed company culture and its headquarters, are known for their open and playful environments. 

It’s crucial that we redefine our perception of play and recognize it as a vital component of a balanced, healthy lifestyle. Just by observing companies like Google, we see the benefits of playtime. It improves our well-being, and it also lets us build stronger relationships with the people around us. Because of the increasing stress we receive every day, it’s important to remind ourselves to play. Not because it’s beneficial but because it’s necessary.