When Did We Stop Playing?
Somewhere along the way, adulthood taught us to replace curiosity with calendars. Our days became packed with meetings, deadlines, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. In the process, play slowly disappeared, often mistaken as something meant only for children.
But science tells a different story. When adults engage in play, stress reduces, creativity increases, and emotional well-being improves. Play activates curiosity, helps us think more freely, and allows joy to return without effort or pressure.
Play isn’t about games alone. It’s about exploration, expression, and connection. It’s the moment when ideas flow naturally, when conversations feel lighter, and when we reconnect with ourselves and others. In workspaces, play improves collaboration and problem-solving. In daily life, it helps us pause, reflect, and breathe.
Ironically, the people who need play the most are often the busiest ones, the leaders, professionals, and parents who carry the weight of constant responsibility. For them, play becomes a powerful reset.
Maybe it’s time we stopped seeing play as a break from productivity, and started seeing it as a path back to it.
