Curious about Plex? You’re not alone! In this FAQ section, we’re tackling common questions like “What is Plexing?”, “Isn’t play just for kids?”, and “Who has time for this?” We get it—trying something new can bring up a lot of hesitations. That’s why we’re here to break it down, clear up misconceptions, and show you how Plexing can fit into real life (yes, even yours!). Let’s dive in!
Plex brings together the power of play, creativity, and intentional expansion. By embracing purposeful play and free-flowing creativity, Plexing helps you step outside of your routine and discover new possibilities. By incorporating these energies into your life, you’ll experience benefits that are backed by proven psychology and personal development practices. Here’s how embracing Plex can positively impact your world:
Plex uses the power of positive emotions to counteract the harmful effects of stress. Research shows that for every negative emotion we experience, we need at least three positive ones to maintain balance. Positive emotions, like those sparked by play and creativity, reduce stress, lower cortisol, and improve physical health. Plex helps us build resilience by embracing experiences that expand us, restore balance, and enhance our well-being. Play isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity for a healthier, more energized life.
Sometimes, even when we set aside time for Plex, we struggle to fully engage because our mental “brakes” are still on—stress, distractions, and responsibilities holding us back. Emily Nagoski’s dual control model explains that engagement in play depends on both accelerators (what excites and energizes us) and brakes (what shuts us down). To truly Plex, it’s not about forcing more fun but also about easing off those brakes—letting go of mental clutter, addressing distractions, and giving ourselves permission to be present. The more we practice this balance, the more naturally Plex flows into our lives.
Choosing to spend time with playful people and in playful environments can have a profound impact on our lives. Playfulness is contagious, and when we surround ourselves with those who embrace curiosity, creativity, and joy, that energy naturally rubs off on us. It sparks new ideas, deepens connections, and invites more fun and exploration into our lives. Ultimately, by choosing to be around people and spaces that nurture play, we open ourselves to more opportunities for growth, laughter, and the kind of experiences that expand our world in unexpected ways.
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.
Play used to come naturally. But somewhere along the way, many of us lost touch with it. Even when we want more lightness or fun, play can feel awkward or out of reach. This piece explores why—and how we can begin to reclaim it. Because Plexing is possible at any age.
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.
