Author name: jewishmidlife

Fake fun is everywhere, and it’s easy to get sucked into activities that seem to offer enjoyment but ultimately leave us feeling empty. By recognizing what constitutes fake fun and making a conscious decision to engage in more meaningful, enriching activities, we can avoid falling into these distractions. True play—what I call Plex—is all about engaging fully with the present moment, challenging ourselves, and expanding our experience. The next time you find yourself with some time to spare, instead of falling into the trap of fake fun, reach for something that will truly nourish and expand your world.

Our definitions and associations with the word “play” significantly impact how much we allow it into our lives. By examining and rethinking our personal connotations of play, we can open up new possibilities for incorporating it into our everyday experiences. Redefining play allows us to invite more creativity, freedom, and growth, enriching our lives in ways we may not have imagined. (See the exercise below)

If you’ve been treating play as something separate from productivity, it’s time to rethink that approach. Play isn’t what you do once you’ve worked hard enough—it’s what helps you work hard in the first place. When you allow yourself to play, you’re not just having fun; you’re unlocking energy, creativity, and resilience that fuel everything else.

Curiosity is the gateway to expansion and growth, inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace new experiences. When we face opportunities for novelty, we often default to saying “no” out of fear or habit. By asking ourselves, “Will I choose curiosity or comfort?” we create space to reconsider, stretch our boundaries, and explore fresh possibilities. Choosing curiosity can lead to unexpected growth and transformation, while also offering the flexibility to choose comfort when necessary. Ultimately, curiosity is the key that opens the door to a more expansive, vibrant life.

Curiosity is the gateway to expansion and growth, inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace new experiences. When we face opportunities for novelty, we often default to saying “no” out of fear or habit. By asking ourselves, “Will I choose curiosity or comfort?” we create space to reconsider, stretch our boundaries, and explore fresh possibilities. Choosing curiosity can lead to unexpected growth and transformation, while also offering the flexibility to choose comfort when necessary. Ultimately, curiosity is the key that opens the door to a more expansive, vibrant life.

Playfulness and intimacy go hand in hand. The more playful and spontaneous the connection, the more it allows for growth, vulnerability, and emotional safety. Playfulness brings adventure, joy, and curiosity, while intimacy provides the foundation of trust and connection that supports it. Together, they create a powerful dynamic that fosters lasting closeness and a stronger, more resilient relationship.

Play—especially when approached with the mindset of Plex—provides a comprehensive framework for learning. It engages the brain, body, and vagus nerve in ways that reduce stress, promote focus, and enhance creativity, all of which are essential for acquiring new knowledge and skills. So next time you step into a playful activity, remember that it’s not just fun—it’s training your brain and nervous system to learn more effectively.

By engaging in Plex regularly, you provide your vagus nerve with the training it needs to thrive. Whether through playful social interactions, creative projects, or physical activities, Plex creates opportunities for your nervous system to calibrate and strengthen its response to the demands of life. Through this process, you’ll cultivate emotional resilience, greater flexibility, and a heightened ability to manage both energy and emotions. So, embrace Plex as a tool for not only expanding your life’s possibilities but for training your vagus nerve to become more responsive, adaptable, and resilient.

This article explores how our body and brain respond to external stimuli, with a focus on energy regulation through the vagus nerve. It highlights the importance of proficiency in regulating energy to avoid extreme reactions like shutdown or fight-or-flight responses. By practicing energy control in low-stakes scenarios, such as play, we can train the vagus nerve to respond effectively in high-pressure moments. Plex, with its emphasis on playful, creative activities, provides an ideal environment to hone this skill, ultimately building resilience and emotional balance to handle life’s challenges with ease.