The Power of Play: Why Adults Need It Just as Much as Kids

When we think of play, we picture children — building forts, telling stories, laughing until bedtime. Somewhere along the way to adulthood, though, we start to believe that play is something we outgrow. Work, responsibility, and survival edge out curiosity and fun.

But here’s the truth: the adult brain needs play just as much as a child’s. Not only does it fuel joy, but play also stimulates neuroplasticity, helping the brain grow, adapt, and stay resilient.

What Counts as Play?

Play isn’t about rules or winning. It’s any activity done for the pure joy of it — without pressure or productivity attached. That might look like:

• Dancing in your kitchen.

• Telling jokes with friends.

• Playing board games or improv games.

• Building something with your hands.

• Daydreaming and letting your imagination wander.

Play is about giving yourself permission to be present, silly, and unguarded.

How Play Shapes the Brain

Play is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen the brain because it activates multiple systems at once:

• Cognitive Flexibility: Play encourages the brain to switch perspectives, think creatively, and adapt quickly.

• Emotional Regulation: Laughter and fun reduce cortisol while boosting dopamine and serotonin, teaching the brain how to return to balance after stress.

• Social Connection: Cooperative play strengthens empathy, communication, and trust.

• Memory & Learning: Playful experiences stick in memory longer because the brain tags joy as important.

Even brief moments of play act like sparks, keeping neural pathways flexible and responsive.

Why Adults Resist Play

So if play is so good for us, why do we resist it? Often it’s because adulthood teaches us that play = childish, unproductive, or “a waste of time.”

But neuroscience says otherwise. Play is how the brain learns best. When we stop playing, we stop exercising the very parts of the brain that keep us open, creative, and resilient.

The irony is that we need play most during the seasons we feel we have the least time for it.

Bringing Play Back Into Your Life

You don’t have to overhaul your schedule to invite more play. Start small:

• Laugh every day. Watch something funny, share a meme, or play with your kids or pets.

• Make hobbies playful. Let go of perfection — doodle, craft, or cook just for fun.

• Say yes to spontaneity. Try “Yes, and…” with a friend or child and see where it takes you.

• Play with perspective. Walk backward, switch hands, or change the rules of a task. Novelty wakes up the brain.

The more you play, the easier it becomes to access joy and flexibility — even in stressful situations.

Play isn’t just for children. It’s brain medicine, stress relief, and creativity fuel rolled into one. Adults need it not in spite of responsibilities, but because of them.

So give yourself permission. Be silly. Be curious. Be unproductive for the sake of joy. Your brain will thank you — with more creativity, resilience, and connection than you thought possible.

Because life isn’t meant to be all work. Sometimes, the most serious thing you can do for your health is play.