Adults have to take care of so many responsibilities. You’re always doing your best at your job before arriving home to care for yourself, your potential family and your living space. Finding time for fun may seem challenging, but there are numerous unexpected benefits of play in adult women.
You don’t need to break out your childhood toys or draw with chalk to enjoy adult playtime. Your version of fun could be going for a walk, chatting with a friend or throwing a frisbee for your dog in the backyard.
No matter how you like to have fun, these are some benefits you’ll enjoy from more relaxation.
1. It Enhances Your Cognition
You might notice your brain switch to autopilot mode when you’re doing something routine. You don’t need to use all of your focus to load the dishwasher for the millionth time. Playtime keeps your mind alert by engaging your focus.
Anyone who likes to play video games might benefit from scheduling a few minutes every day to log on. It’s one way to treat potential cognitive disorders by activating biochemicals the brain needs to thrive.
As long as your game includes reading dialogue and makes you happy, it’s an excellent way to sharpen your cognitive skills while reducing stress.
2. It Improves Your Mood
Living with continual high-stress levels dampens anyone’s mood. It causes the brain to release stress hormones to help you survive life-threatening situations. When that situation doesn’t end, the hormones can inflame your nervous system and make you more moody than usual.
Playtime is a helpful way to release that stress. You could try something new to shake things up, like a fun exercise class at your local gym.
Experts agree that entertaining exercise methods decrease depression and anxiety symptoms, leading to a more positive mood. Have fun while getting active to feel happier and help your body recover from stress.
3. It Gives You More Energy
Although you can gain energy from recognizing negative influences and ending toxic relationships in your adult life, playtime is another way to feel more energized.
You don’t have to worry about drinking multiple cups of coffee daily to stay awake. Integrate at least one opportunity to play during each day to let your brain rest.
Reflect on past activities that made you happy without requiring too much exertion. You could try those activities again or explore new ideas.
Meditation and journaling are great resources to vent your stress, but you can also play a board game app, open an adult coloring book or sing your heart out in the car.
Whatever you decide to do, gauge your energy levels before and after the activity. You’ll enjoy one of the most unexpected benefits of play by doing something just because it’s fun.
4. It Relieves Oxidative Stress
If you never give yourself a chance to relax, your stress levels will likely remain high. The increased exposure to stress hormones means your cells encounter more oxidative stress, which can trigger various diseases by affecting organ functionality and tissue health.
Putting your mind and body in a low-stress environment lets your cells take a break. They can heal from the lowered oxidative stress, leading to better long-term health.
It’s one benefit of doing things just for fun that might mean more if you have existing health conditions. Think about how you’d like to relax in your free time to get motivated about making adult play part of your routine.
5. It Promotes Creativity
People with creative minds may experience periods of less creativity when they’re always stressed. The brain picks up on stress hormones and uses all your energy to keep you in survival mode.
There’s nothing left for engaging in your creative pursuits, but you can change that with other forms of play.
You might fill a warm bath, press play on some calming music and browse social media to let your mind fall into a passive state. Call a friend and doodle while you chat. Explore a virtual museum tour or watch a movie.
Letting your brain rest with other forms of fun will give you more energy to return to your creative passions with renewed focus.
6. It Fosters Better Sleep
You’ve likely noticed that when you’re always stressed, you don’t sleep as well. It’s something many people experience because it’s a biological cause-and-effect.
Stress hormones creating oxidative stress at a cellular level trigger sleep challenges like breathing issues. In addition to your racing thoughts, your cells disrupt other bodily functions necessary for sleep.
Playtime in the evenings could help you rest more thoroughly each night. It depends on what you find relaxing. You might be the type of person to read on their back porch as the stars come out or listen to smooth jazz while doing a nightly skincare routine.
Try adding one relaxing activity to your evenings. As your body releases your stress and begins to wind down for the night, you’ll find it easier to fall asleep and stay that way.
Enjoy the Benefits of Adult Play
Boosting your mood and energy levels are only a few of the unexpected benefits of play. Adults can boost their creativity and more by scheduling time to relax.
Your play activity shouldn’t require too much of your energy. No matter what you decide to do, you’ll have fun and feel more like yourself with each passing day.
