“Adulting” often feels like an uphill battle – there are so many balls we have to juggle; work, family, relationships, career, health, finances and more.
All of these responsibilities – if unrelenting, unbalanced and unsupported – can negatively impact our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. We may even find ourselves sitting and dreaming of childhood, when most of us had less stress and more time for joy and imagination. As adults, we often find ourselves wanting to play – but play for adults is often discouraged by society. If an adult wants to let go of responsibilities for a while, they may feel judged by others or guilty for doing it. Some of us never even try to play because we feel it is “childish”.
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One of the things that can help us to embrace our desire to play as adults is to know that it does us some good.
Research confirms that playing as an adult is beneficial for your health. Play can help improve your mood, reduce your stress levels and risk of depression or anxiety, improve your ability to be creative, and become more adaptable by using your imagination, as well as improving problem-solving skills and encouraging social connection. And you are not alone in wanting to experience it – lots of adults are seeking playful ways to escape life’s problems for a while.
One way in which play is re-emerging for adults is through classic toys and games, with some recent surveys showing that 20 per cent of toys and games being bought by adults are actually for adults. So, why are adults reverting back to toy-collecting, game-playing or finding other ways to play? What benefits can it bring and why should we embrace it?
When we look at old photos of happy times, or watch a film from childhood, or when we collect toys that were part of our history, our brain activity pulls out the “file” in our neurons that remembers that experience and triggers similar feelings from the past to be felt in the present. Memories of pleasant and happy times make us feel good now. That is the power of nostalgia.
Healthy escapism
Worrying and ruminating on problems can lead to an increased risk of anxiety and depression. Playing games, constructing things or collecting toys allows us to get away from our worries – a bit like having a brain holiday. Playing as an adult is a healthy version of escapism, and when we come back to reality, we often find we can solve our problems more easily because we have the energy, resolve and determination to do so, and even some new ideas.
Playing can be a chance to make new friends (Photo: FG Trade/Getty/E+)It can be hard as an adult to make new friends, as opportunities for new experiences don’t always come along that often. Collecting or having an interest in toys or games can allow us to create a sense of belonging to a new group of people with similar interests. Like supporting a football team, we can feel part of something and create a new community for ourselves.
Challenge and adventure
If you are a toy collector, then you can find a lot of joy and satisfaction in seeking out the pieces missing from your collection. Trying to find them in a charity shop, online, at collectors’ fairs, or via social media can bring a lot of excitement and anticipation. All of these feelings help us feel purpose, direction and build up our emotional reserve.
Value and appreciation
Collecting games and toys from our childhood can remind us of the importance of legacy, of things being well made and help ensure that we resist the trend of disposable objects. They can remind us of the importance of valuing objects and looking after things rather than being part of a throw-away society.
We are all, after all, just “old” children – we have an innate need to play, so let’s do more of it.
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