The lost art OF PLAY

For many, having fun at Christmas falls off the bottom of the to-do list. But the silly season's a great time to start!

When the kids or your grandkids yell, “Come and play!” how do you react? More often than not, a sheepish response such as, “Maybe later, I’ve got stuff to do” is fired back. Stuff means washing, work, phone calls, making dinner, lunch prep… the list goes on. The truth is, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, it can feel like you don’t have time for fun.

Research shows many adults believe life is the least fun after 45. Partly because fun involves stepping out from underneath that mental load and being in the moment. For many that feels like a luxury they can’t afford. Still, the wellness spoils – and potential for a much jollier Christmas period – are too good to give up.

Many studies have shown play relieves stress, boosts creativity and mood, fuels imagination and keeps brains sharp. A study in the European Journal of Humour also found play resulted in higher life satisfaction. Relearning the art of play could be the most pleasurable way to get healthy yet!

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