If I stopped you to talk about the importance of adding a touch of playfulness to our lives, would you cringe a little? I get it, adulting requires a degree of seriousness…or does it? 

What if I said that play has incredible benefits for our wellbeing and productivity? And that it is possible to get a bit playful, both at work and beyond, in a realistic and balanced way?

Games are for adults, too!

When I started teaching adults 25 years ago, I learned very quickly the power of games in the classroom for aiding learning and motivation, and just how much grown ups loved the chance to play! (If you’ve never seen a 50-something businessman jumping up and down out of his chair shouting out to his team mates during a round of Taboo, well…). This knowledge stayed with me in my management career and I’ve always tried to weave in the power of play at work.

Reducing work pressure

We all know work can be challenging, and sometimes, the pressure can feel overwhelming. But guess what? Incorporating playfulness can have a greatly positive impact on your work and others’. This doesn’t mean ignoring the realities of work – it’s about finding a healthy balance.

Imagine having occasional fun moments during team meetings or breaks, like sharing a funny story or trying out a lighthearted icebreaker. These small acts can break the tension and create a more positive work environment.

Find your joy

Beyond work, we don’t need to transform into clowns to embrace playfulness. It’s about finding our joy in everyday activities, like going for a walk in the park, trying a new hobby, or enjoying a casual game night with friends. It’s okay to be silly and laugh at ourselves without forcing constant positivity.

Let’s be realistic – we can’t be playful 24/7, and that’s alright! Instead of striving for constant joy, we can focus on building resilience. Embracing playfulness can be a great tool to cope with stress, but it’s not a cure-all solution. Sometimes, we need to allow ourselves to feel and process emotions too.

Openness is key

In the workplace, fostering a culture that appreciates creativity and open communication can naturally lead to more playful interactions. Encouraging teamwork and acknowledging each other’s efforts can bring a sense of camaraderie and lightheartedness to the office.

Playfulness can also be an essential part of problem-solving. Sometimes, taking a step back, letting loose, and approaching challenges from a different perspective can lead to innovative solutions. For example, try heading out for an informal coffee instead of bashing your heads on the boardroom table. I’m sure we are all ready embrace those occasional “eureka” moments with a smile.

It’s not all or nothing

Remember, being realistic about playfulness doesn’t mean dulling our enthusiasm. Being an adult does not mean becoming an automaton. It’s about understanding that work and life have ups and downs, and that’s okay. Embrace playfulness in ways that feel authentic to you, and let it be a tool to add a sprinkle of joy to your journey!

How have you found the right balance between work and playfulness? I’d love to celebrate the moments of laughter and growth with you, as we are all navigating the beautiful dance between work and fun!