"You’re never too old for a spot of silliness – and it’s good for you,” says Dr Radha Modgil

Playing isn’t just for children. Dr Radha Modgil explains the benefits of leaning into your more playful side as an adult can help both your physical and mental health.

When was the last time you played? Maybe you don’t even know what that might look like. If so, you wouldn’t be alone. As we get older we forget to just play. That might be because of life and all its challenges. It might be because we think we’re too busy, or maybe we feel awkward or embarrassed.

Play can be anything that gives you a sense of joy and fun. Playful activities often don’t have an outcome; there’s no sense of productivity or ‘achievement’. It’s about just letting loose and even expressing who you are, through colouring, crafting or getting covered in mud. Play can include things that ‘break the rules’ in terms of how adults should behave – jumping in puddles or creating a game out of something mundane.

We encourage children to play not just because it’s fun but because it’s essential for their development. And it’s the same for adults – play is amazing for our wellbeing and health at any age. It can support us physically by making us get out and move; it helps our mental health by giving us space to park our worries and focus on the moment; it helps our cognitive health by encouraging problem-solving, creativity and imagination; and it helps our emotional wellbeing by building connections to others. It also allows us to boost our resilience because it refuels our energy, motivation and zest for life.

We have to reframe play and see it as something essential and not a waste of time, and then we have to find more ways to bring it into our daily lives.

Tima Miroschnichenko via PexelsWays you can tap into your more playful side

Our attitude

We don’t necessarily have to do anything to play more; we just need a more playful approach to what we already do. That can include everyday tasks like household chores – channel your inner Mary Poppins and make them into a game! We can tell more jokes and look for the lighter side of things.

Our relationships

Social play is a great way to find more fun. From banter to board games, karaoke to team games, we can always find more fun with other people. Think of new things to try, remember how you found joy as a child, and surround yourself with people who are interested and open to being a little bit more fun.

Yan Krukau via PexelsOur bodies

Movement can also allow us to find more fun. Think about sports and activities that you enjoy (or perhaps used to but no longer find time for): skating, pickleball, padel or dancing can all allow us to play more, and to sometimes break the rules and be a bit silly.

Our hobbies

Some activities can also help us find a bit more play, such as crafting, painting, baking, gardening and building. They encourage us to use our senses and hands and to be more in the moment as well as expressing ourselves without fear of judgement or outcome, but just for the experience.

Join one of Boundless' Community Groups and let out your inner child

Denys Gromov via PexelsBoundless Karting Group

Karting lends itself perfectly to play! From meeting new people, learning new skills, challenging yourself in the moment and having the adventure of racing others, you can’t help but lose yourself in the moment, so why not try it face to face with the Boundless Karting Group.

Cooking and Baking Group

An online group where you can share recipes and learn from each other, with some cook along events, Boundless’ Cooking and Baking Group is a perfect group to explore your inner child and have some fun! With cooking and baking you have the opportunity to choose what you want to create, to make a mess, and to have some fun if things don’t quite go to plan!

Julian Hochgesang via UnsplashBoundless Social Groups

We can find a sense of play ourselves, but it is so much easier when we are with others. Social groups and trips are a brilliant way into finding fun with others by exploring interesting places, having new experiences and a laugh along the way.

Boundless Photography Group

Skills like photography allow us to use our hands and senses to create something remarkable, beautiful, unusual or funny and the Boundless Photography Group allows members to share tips, advice and to try their hand at competitions too.