Why Play Isn't Superficial—It's How You Come Back to Life
We've been taught that play is optional. Something you earn after the real work is done. A reward for being productive enough, responsible enough, adult enough.
But what if play isn't the cherry on top—what if it's the foundation?
When Productivity Became the Only Language
Growing up in Silicon Valley with immigrant parents, I learned early that time had one purpose: achievement. Play wasn't just discouraged—it was irresponsible. So I did what made sense. I worked. And worked. Over 120 hours a week for years, until my body, mind, and spirit completely collapsed.
It wasn't until I hired my own life coach that I began to understand what I'd been missing. Coaching didn't just help me manage my emotions—it helped me reconnect with them. It gave me the space to build a life that felt alive, not just accomplished.
Years later, I'm still learning to weave play back into my days. And sharing that journey with you is part of the joy.
What Play Actually Does
Play isn't frivolous. It's how we explore without expectation, test possibilities, and rediscover curiosity. When we play, we give ourselves permission to experiment, fail, and imagine—all essential for growth and meaning.
Play creates space to:
Recharge your nervous system and lower stress
Boost creativity and open new perspectives
Deepen connections through laughter, exploration, and spontaneity
It's the freedom to do something for the joy of it—not because it's productive, perfect, or required.
And here's the beautiful part: play looks different for everyone. For some, it's sports or games. For others, it's cooking, dancing, or improv. For some, joy and laughter are essential. For others, solving challenges in a state of flow is what brings them alive.
Five Ways to Bring Play Back
1. Reclaim a Childhood Joy
Think back to what you loved as a kid. Riding your bike through the neighborhood. Painting without worrying how it looked. Playing make-believe for hours.
Those moments weren't just fun—they were freedom, curiosity, and presence.
Try bringing one of them back into your week, even in a small way. Ride your bike after work. Pull out some paints with no goal other than to see what happens. Let yourself reconnect with the parts of you that once felt light, alive, and fully engaged.
2. Schedule "Unproductive" Time
Before you skip this section, pause. How does the idea of being unproductive make you feel?
Does doing something "just for fun" make you restless, guilty, or like you're wasting time?
Many of us have learned to equate our worth with output—to feel valuable only when we're accomplishing, fixing, or improving something. But play challenges that belief. It invites us to step out of the cycle of doing and into the experience of being.
Set aside 30 minutes where the only goal is fun. Watch a ridiculous show. Make up a dance no one will ever see. Try a silly game, doodle, or sing in the car. Let it be lighthearted and without "purpose."
And if nothing feels fun, here’s something to consider: there is no play without safety. What will help you feel safe?
3. Make Mundane Moments Playful
Turn chores into a game. Listen to playful music while cooking. Try to notice which five senses you can engage during your errands. Challenge yourself to do something differently—like brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand.
Small shifts can transform routine into something surprisingly alive.
4. Invite Others Along
Play often thrives in connection. Invite friends or family to join you for something lighthearted: board games, mini golf, a spontaneous walk-and-talk, or making up silly challenges together.
5. Follow Your Curiosity
Notice what sparks interest or delight in your day. If something catches your attention, lean into it—especially if it seems small. Curiosity is often the doorway to play.
If you're not finding those moments yet, think back. How did you know you were engaged in play back then? What did it feel like in your body, your attention, your energy?
Play Isn't an Escape—It's Reengagement
They say time flies when you’re having fun, but time also flies when you’re not paying attention.
Play isn't just for children. It's a vital part of living fully. By weaving in small moments of play, you invite joy, spontaneity, and connection into your life. The more you practice, the more natural it feels to let fun be part of your everyday life.
The purpose of play isn't to escape life—it's to reengage with it more fully.
Work With Me
I work with people navigating change, seeking clarity, or feeling stuck in their current season of life. As a Mastery Method-trained coach, I bring a grounded and compassionate approach to the coaching process. My work is about helping you reconnect with yourself, uncover what truly matters, and move forward with confidence.
In our sessions, I hold space for both the challenges and the possibilities—so you can feel supported while also being gently stretched into growth. People often leave our work feeling more empowered, self-aware, and equipped to set clear boundaries and take meaningful, aligned action.
Ready to dig deeper?
Start with a free 20-minute clarity call.
