Many of us juggle more responsibilities than ever at this juncture in our lives, or some of us wonder what’s next as roles shift and schedules open up. Whether immersed in caring for others or adjusting to an emptier nest, one thing is clear: adult life can feel heavy, serious, and downright routine. Yet somewhere beneath the surface, there’s a gnawing sense that life could feel different, lighter.
Remember the curiosity, creativity, laughter, and spontaneity we used to have when we were younger? That’s still there, somewhere under the to-do lists. What if we could reconnect with that part of ourselves, not as a childish escape, but as a powerful, soul-nourishing way to bring more joy, connection, and energy into our lives?
What if we brought play back into our lives? Not necessarily board games on the floor with toddlers (though that counts too), I mean, trying something new or ‘just because,’ like joining a friend for an axe-throwing class, or letting yourself fall down a rabbit hole of YouTube dance tutorials. Tackling a puzzle while listening to music. You can take a spontaneous day trip to nowhere in particular or, yes, even book a ticket to Guatemala because you need something to wake up your senses again.
It doesn’t have to be wild. But it has to be yours. Play is a mindset, an attitude, a way of bringing lightness, openness, and flexibility into how we move through life. This openness helps us stay curious, be willing to try new things, and take feedback without feeling defensive. It softens the grip of seriousness, helping us avoid rigid thinking and easing the weight of pressure.
At this stage, expanding our horizons is crucial, and play is a natural way to do just that. As children, play came naturally. It was how we learned, recharged, built resilience, and grew into fuller versions of ourselves. We’re still learning. We still need to recharge. We’re still growing. And we can still do all that through play. Even at our age. If we allow space for it.
In a way, play is self-growth, just with less pressure and more joy than a formal “personal development” session. And the benefits? They’re real. Play stimulates the release of endorphins – those feel-good chemicals that lift mood and ease stress. It can calm the nervous system, shift us out of survival mode, and offer a mini reset.
A playful mindset creates emotional flexibility: the ability to pivot, to find relief in hard moments, and to reconnect to what makes us feel alive.
There’s fascinating brain science behind this: the prefrontal cortex, the part responsible for self-regulation, creative thinking, and decision-making – these skills get stronger the more we use them. And here’s the beautiful part: we only have one prefrontal cortex. To keep this science lesson short and simple, think of it this way: when we practice a skill, like problem-solving through a puzzle or creative challenge, that ability becomes easier to tap into when needed. Likewise, building resilience by trying something new – even if it flops – makes resilience more available when life gets bumpy. Like any muscle, it thrives on use. So why not strengthen the prefrontal cortex through playful and enjoyable experiences?
Still feel like play is for kids? Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, boldly says: “A lack of play should be treated like malnutrition; it’s a health risk to both body and mind.”
There are many ways to play, and we each see it differently. For one person, it might be watercolor paints. For someone else, it might be belly laughing with a friend, planting a funky herb garden, or taking a random left turn to see where the road goes. What makes something “play” is that it feels refreshing, engaging, and even a little freeing.
Here’s the thing: for many women, play isn’t easy to allow. We’re raised to be “the responsible ones,” always holding things together. The guilt kicks in even when we find a few minutes for ourselves. Shouldn’t I be doing something more productive? What about the kids? The house, the 42 unread WhatsApps? That little voice whispers, “You could be doing something more important.” Even when we want to play, exhaustion often wins.
After a day juggling responsibilities, the idea of play might feel far away. But here’s the truth: play helps us come alive again. It reconnects us to the part of ourselves that isn’t just managing life but also experiencing it. From that place, we show up better in all our roles.
So next time you feel the weight of responsibility closing in, ask yourself: “Where could I add a Spark of play right now?” Permit yourself to play. Schedule it if you need to. Protect it like you would a doctor’s appointment or a chavrusa. Think of it not as self-indulgent, but as self-respecting. It’s not a break from being a grown-up—it’s a reminder that being alive is meant to include joy.
And the beautiful part? You don’t have to ‘figure out’ how to play—or get it ‘right.’ Start where you are. Start small. If you want help discovering your unique play style and ideas, poke about on this website.
