Adults Need Recess Too: The Case for Adult Play

Think back to childhood when creating felt effortless and play was instinctual. You colored freely, wrote stories that didn’t make sense, created worlds that didn’t exist, and played games without rules. Somewhere along the way into adulthood, that sense of play faded, set aside in favor of rules, expectations, and self-doubt.  

It’s easy to assume that finding your way back to play and creativity should be simple, but for many adults, it isn’t that easy. Letting go of judgment and allowing yourself to play again takes time.  

An article published in the National Library of Medicine states that, similar to children, adults need space to play and create. While many adults lack opportunities for Big-C creativity in the workplace, they can still engage in little-c and mini-c forms of creativity in their everyday lives. According to Dr. Russ, play and creative expression support mental and emotional well-being at every age, especially during times of stress and uncertainty, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Why Adults Need to Play (Yes, You Too)  
Play isn’t something we should have left behind in childhood. In fact, it might be one of the best-kept secrets to staying happy, creative, and grounded as an adult. Research shows that when we play, freely, joyfully, and without pressure, we recharge our minds and bodies.  

You’ve probably felt it before: that magical sense of losing track of time when you’re completely absorbed in something you love. Maybe it’s gardening, drawing, cooking, or joking with friends. Those moments help us reconnect with ourselves and remind us that joy doesn’t have to be scheduled or productive to be meaningful.  

Why Play Is Good for Your Mood  
Play is one of the most effective natural stress relievers as it triggers endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and helps us relax. People who stay playful tend to be better at coping with challenges, using humor, curiosity, or acceptance instead of frustration or burnout.  

Even simple forms of play can ease anxiety and depression. A board game night, creative hobby, or outdoor adventure can pull your mind away from worry and into the present moment. Over time, playful routines help us feel more satisfied, balanced, and resilient.  

Boosting Your Brain Through Play  
Play keeps your brain flexible and sharp. Whether you’re learning a new skill, playing a game, or getting crafty, you’re strengthening memory and creative problem-solving. An article published in the National Library of Medicine found that regular playful activities may help guard against memory decline later in life. When you keep your mind engaged in enjoyable ways, you’re actually giving it a serious long-term boost.  

Play Builds Better Connections  
According to the International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), play is one of the most effortless ways to deepen relationships. It invites connection, trust, and empathy, whether it’s through team sports, game night, a shared hobby, or spontaneous conversations. It reminds us how good it feels to belong and helps counteract isolation and loneliness.  

What Gets in the Way  
Between work, family, and life’s endless to-do lists, it can feel irresponsible to take time to do something fun. Furthermore, our culture praises productivity above all else, making play seem like a luxury. Play isn’t a waste of time; it restores your energy. When you let go of the need to be efficient every minute, you make space for joy, curiosity, and sometimes your best ideas. The key is reframing play as essential, not optional.  

Reclaiming the Power of Play  
Rediscovering play doesn’t have to mean taking up a new hobby or overhauling your schedule. It can start small: cooking something new, cracking jokes with a colleague, dancing while you clean, or pulling out that old guitar you haven’t touched in years. Play isn’t the enemy of productivity; it’s the fuel that keeps us creative and engaged. Reflect on what made you happiest as a kid. Ask the people close to you what seems to light you up. You might be surprised how easily those old sparks return.  

How to Bring More Play into Your Life  
Find your kind of fun. Everyone’s play looks different. Maybe you love collecting things, exploring nature, or cracking puzzles. The National Institute for Play even identifies several “play personalities,” from the “Storyteller” to the “Explorer.” Finding yours can help you choose activities that feel natural and fulfilling.  

Adopt a playful mindset. You don’t need a game to play. Curiosity, humor, and imagination can make almost any moment playful.  

Make time for it—on purpose. Treat play the same way you treat exercise or rest. Block off moments in your week to do something just because it feels good. The more you make it part of your rhythm, the easier it becomes to protect and enjoy that time.  

Play is serious business in the best possible way. It makes life richer, lighter, and more joyful. Start small, stay curious, and let yourself have fun again.