You can play board games, pantomime, dodgeball, crosswords, or any other leisure activity just for fun without compromising performance. As children, we are free to explore this playful side without fear of criticism.
As we grow older, there is more pressure to give up this kind of fun and adopt a more serious attitude. Moreover, in our fast-paced lives, finding time for play is not only difficult, but often seems like a waste of time.
Recent studies have shown that this habit not only makes life lighter and more fulfilling, but also provides several health benefits.
root of the problem
American psychiatrist Stuart Brown, author of “Play: Shape the Brain, Open the Imagination, and Invigorate the Soul.”, Today’s high levels of depression are reflected in the rise in disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are associated with the suppression of our natural instinct to play.
“The opposite of play is not work, it’s depression. Adult lack of play is becoming a public health crisis,” he said in an interview with National Geographic magazine..
According to a 2021 report from LEGO, 93% of adults say they feel stressed on a regular basis. 86% of them say that playing with and interacting with toys helps them relieve tension. In moments like these, work and everyday concerns take a backseat, and we practice the increasingly rare practice of mindfulness. Connecting to the present allows us to feel calmer, lighter, more present, and better able to listen to ourselves.
When done in a group, the act of playing can help alleviate feelings of loneliness. Additionally, social connections are strengthened. After all, it is often in these playful activities that we learn to share, negotiate, deal with rules, respect other people’s space, and mediate conflicts – social skills essential to coexistence.
According to Brown, playing remains an effective way to develop adaptability, intelligence, creativity and problem-solving skills. For him, in difficult times, this is needed more than ever, as it strengthens his ability to cope with unexpected situations.
“Children”
The word “kidalto”, a combination of the words “kid” (child) and “adult” (adult), is used today to define an adult who buys, collects, and engages with toys, characters, and items normally intended for children.
This world is becoming less and less a small niche. The collectible toy market was estimated at US$12.5 billion (R$6.6 billion, not adjusted for inflation) in 2021 and could reach US$35.3 billion (R$18.8 billion) by 2032, according to data from research firm WGSN.
In the U.S. alone, 17.3% of toy sales in 2023 will be made up of people between the ages of 19 and 99, according to Business Insider.
Toys are not just entertainment, they are also a place of refuge. In times of burnout or emotional overload, they serve as a bridge back to the brighter moments of childhood, and are therefore gaining ground in a market increasingly driven by nostalgia. movies like barbie and lilo & stitch is just one example of this trend.
Kidalt’s favorites include classics like Funko dolls, Lego creations, and famous action figures. And the much-hyped lovey-dovey monster and reborn baby too.
play time
Professor Meredith Sinclair, author of the book Well Played: The Ultimate Guide to Awakening Your Family’s Playful Spirit, suggests a simple way to rediscover the joy of play in an interview with The New York Times. It can be something as simple as modeling clay, playing stop with a friend, or chasing a ball at the park. The important thing is to put aside worrying about what others think.
Play also includes doing things without the intention of generating posts or engagement, which honestly is becoming more and more rare. Sharing the things you enjoy on your network is great, including inspiring others, but living your own experiences can be a very powerful practice.
Play as an adult rarely happens by chance. So it’s worth setting aside time in your calendar. Dedicating a few minutes a day to something light for fun might be just what you need to make your routine a little more radiant.
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