5 reasons to make playing a daily habit as an adult

Here at Lindywell, we’re focused on turning the sport into a daily habit, on and off the Pilates mat. I’ve found that making time to play is more than just fun – it’s an essential component of my mental and physical health.

However, it can be difficult to incorporate sports into your normal routine as an adult. If you’re like me, you have a full schedule of commitments and priorities that require your attention. The good news is, you don’t have to spend hours each day exercising to reap the many benefits of exercise. In fact, you shouldn’t even need to add anything extra.

Here are five reasons to turn this childhood pastime into a daily habit, along with some tips for how to make it happen.

1. Play for mental health

Mental health struggles can sometimes seem inevitable. Our world is busy and our lives are busy! This is why sport is so important – it can also help you restore the balance you seek in your life.

During COVID-19, 200 respondents People in quarantine were asked to keep track of their mood state. According to research, people who prioritized leisure activities (IE things they voluntarily participate in for fun) were more mentally adaptable and resilient in the face of pandemic stress. Those people were also less prone to depression, anxiety, and loneliness, and they reported higher overall life satisfaction.

Even under difficult circumstances, sport can be a natural mood lifter to help maintain mental and emotional health.

Your new daily habit: Change your perception of “playing”. What I mean by that is that everyday activities like working out, making dinner, or listening to music in the car can be enjoyable if you choose to be. Pick a workout you enjoy, try a new recipe for dinner, or play your favorite music from high school to turn these everyday activities into an outlet for play.

2. Play for Productivity

Productivity is often the name of the game, whether you’re sweeping the yard or working in an office. Amazingly, sports can be an important element in helping you become more productive. Had office workers playing team video games for 45 minutes 20 percent more efficient and productive while returning to his work. This playtime activity emphasized cooperation and enjoyment and produced good results.

Team members also improved their cohesion, problem-solving, communication, goal orientation, motivation and creative thinking. At the same time, they also had to take the time to concentrate and process information quickly, which boosts brain function.

Your new daily habit: Take breaks for sports in between productive parts of your day. Go for a walk, dance around the house, or play with your pet. I love blanking out on busy days—and I always come back feeling refreshed and ready to go again.

3. Play for your relationships

It is no coincidence that young children who play together often become close friends. This phenomenon is not only true for children. Sports are also a way to build healthy adult relationships, no matter what stage of your life,

a group of adults (45 years or older) who played together for 10 consecutive weeks, Their relationship with each other improved markedly. They reported feeling more emotionally connected, supportive, altruistic, trusting, and empathetic toward each other – great!

They also felt encouraged to be authentic without fear of judgement. This is because shared play can strengthen safe community bonds. So powerful, and yet so simple.

Your new daily habit: Prioritize opportunities for play and recreation in your relationships with romantic partners, family, and friends. Maybe you put the phone away and try playing a card game while you wait at a restaurant or pretend play when you meet up with your friends. These small changes can make a big difference in how you connect with the people around you.

4. Play for confidence

Confidence doesn’t come from how you look in the mirror or being the smartest person in the room. Sport can actually boost your confidence surprisingly. it’s because fun activities can foster a sense of Personal values and worth enhance feelings of competence and self-efficacy, and create more meaning in life.

The trick with this is this: According to the research, the sport you choose needs to be enjoyable, stimulating, active and intentional in order to count as a confidence booster. In other words, airing your favorite TV show won’t do. Sport that builds your confidence should refresh both the mind and the body.

Your new daily habit: A great way to gain this confidence is to make your daily activity more enjoyable. While I think most Pilates workouts (okay, maybe all!) are meant to be fun, we have a few Lindywell workouts that are specifically designed to be fun, like mood boosting pilates,

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5. Play to a vibrant and energetic sense of self

In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We stop playing because we grow old.” I love this quote because, even though he said these words almost a century ago, his words are still so relevant today.

A playful, imaginative attitude will keep you alive, energized, and full of wonder. If you’ve ever seen a baby, you know exactly what I’m talking about here. Not only does it taste great, but it also supports overall health and may even increase longevity predictions.

Adults (over age 59) who prefer active recreation on a regular basis more efficient metabolism and more expendable energy, which lowers their risk of heart disease or cancer mortality. Is disease prevention even fun? Count us in!

Your new daily habit: Find ways to play that you really enjoy – rather than letting it become just another item on your to-do list. This will help you stay consistent in the game so that you can reap the benefits at 50, 60 and 70 and beyond. this is an important part aging on purpose and love its journey.

Playing is the daily habit your schedule has been missing

Making play a daily habit can be as simple as turning a desire to eat dinner, exercise or work into a playful moment. You don’t need a lot of time – you just need to be intentional about what you do with your time and how enjoyable you make it!