The Benefits of Play
While coloring at a meeting, I realized how relaxed I felt. My daughters participate in 4-H and I was helping the group decorate the annual float that would be in the Northwest Montana Fair parade. While outlining circles on a poster board in various shades to simulate a crowd at a rodeo, I experienced a guilt free respite from my usual routine where every task screams, “Get me done first!”
As a woman, I do believe I get my share of play even though my children accuse me otherwise. I can be found swinging at the playground, swooshing down water-slides, or building a snowman in winter. An occasional game of badminton is fun and you may even catch me playing a game of dodge ball in front of the house. To my children’s chagrin, a game of peek-a-boo with a preschooler occupied me while waiting in a line to check out.
Laughter is the best medicine, exercise is the cheapest, and play restores us. I can attest that my concentration and focus are better when I am practicing at the archery range with my bow and arrows. Everyday cares are set aside and my full attention is on the target.
Why should we find the time to play? Here is a list of some of the benefits:
- Stimulate the imagination and spur creative thought
- Reduce stress and worry
- Induce positive emotional health
- Increase energy levels
Too often women refuse to play. They often sit on the sidelines and say “no” to activities while watching everyone else have fun. Why not go for all the gusto you can get? Paddle a canoe. Shoot some hoops. Drive a go-cart.
Play is good for us and may even increase our longevity. It is an essential factor in our well being. As the saying goes, our kids will not remember if the floor was clean, but they will remember if we took the time to play.
Everywhere you look, life’s an adventure. For inspiring and thought provoking real life stories, please visit our website at http://www.rockymountainkidskorner.com/
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