⏰
When did you last play? When did you last throw yourself into a new experience, let your imagination run wild and have no real expectation of the outcome?

chances are it’s been awhile….

Research suggests we are

built to play
built through play

So what is PLAY?

time spent without purpose
all consuming (lose track of time / self)
FUN
Restorative
its for EVERYONE not just for children

So what STOPS us PLAYING?

Don’t feel you have earned it
Seen as wasting time
Seen as lazy
Not enough time
Seen as a “guilty pleasure”
Need to get back to work
Not seen as productive (productivity = self worth)

Our brains light up when we play. It helps develop our:

logical thinking
executive function
contextual memory

Play is not a luxury it’s a necessity. Play is the foundation for living in a constantly changing and challenging world.

Play can

Energises us
Lift us out of the mundane
Eases our burdens
Renews our optimism
Opens us up to new possibilities

Severe Play Deprivation can have life long consequences including

increase in stress related diseases
increase in depression
lower immunity
difficulty with cooperation
increase in violence/ crime

How can we incorporate JOYFUL activities into all our lives?

You have permission to be PLAYFUL. Everyday seek to find a way to engage in play

climb a tree/ rocks/ climbing frame/ a mountain
ride a bike
play on the trampoline
invent games
play a board game (focus is on taking part)
play hide & seek
play tag
build a den / fort
put on a show
be creative
water play
sand play
go explore
get lost in a book
take time for hobbies
create art
take on a new challenge just for FUN

Play is a state of mind….. take time to engage in activities that bring you JOY

PLAY MORE…… Your success and happiness depends on it….

Delve deeper into PLAY

Read the book: PLAY - How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul by Stuart Brown

#Play

by Sarah Winstanley, SaLT

Communication Lincs Ltd. …….because Speech Therapy Matters