Play: The Missing Piece to Adult Well-Being

Let’s talk about how play is an essential value for adults, how it rekindles joy and builds resilience.

In a world that celebrates productivity and hustle above all, the concept of “play” for adults has become almost taboo. Play is a vital part of well-being and resilience, yet it remains undervalued in adult life, especially in communities of color, where external pressures often limit space for rest, joy, and recreation. For Black adults navigating unique societal challenges, play isn’t a frivolous luxury but an essential part of reclaiming peace, building resilience, and sustaining mental health.

Overcoming Stigma: Play as a Radical Act

Many adults feel that play is “childish” or unproductive, an outdated notion that keeps us from prioritizing joy. Breaking free from this stigma is essential for adults in every community but particularly liberating for Black adults, who often carry a cultural expectation to “push through” rather than pause.

Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a psychologist and researcher, has emphasized that play and joy are critical in healing from racial trauma, allowing Black individuals to find joy and self-care on their own terms.

Understanding play as an investment in well-being—and even in productivity—can empower us to engage in it without guilt or societal pressure.

Why Play Matters for Adults

Research affirms that play has profound benefits on mental health, emotional well-being, and even cognitive performance. Dr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist and founder of the National Institute for Play, emphasizes that play isn’t just a break from adult responsibilities but an integral part of emotional growth, social connection, and creativity. Brown asserts, “The opposite of play is not work; it’s depression.” His research has shown that adults who engage in playful activities are more resilient and report better emotional health outcomes than those who don’t prioritize play in their lives.

Play isn’t just a means to relax; it’s a tool for brain health, enhancing cognitive functions like memory and problem-solving by strengthening neural connections. Engaging in play keeps our minds sharp and adaptable, which is key for adults seeking to stay mentally agile as they age. Playful adults also display better cognitive flexibility, the ability to think outside the box, and a natural resistance to burnout, allowing them to approach problems with humor and creativity.

Cultural Play and Reconnecting with Ancestry

Reclaiming traditional forms of play, like double-dutch, dominoes, or card games, provides meaningful ways for Black adults to reconnect with cultural heritage and celebrate ancestral joy. Cultural play is more than recreation—it’s a way to preserve and honor traditions while building community and bonding across generations. This type of play provides a counter-narrative to stereotypes and offers Black adults a space to be fully present, joyful, and expressive.

The Power of Imagination and Humor in Play

Allowing oneself to engage in imaginative play—whether storytelling, creative arts, or even improv activities—cultivates adaptability and joy. Adults who incorporate humor and imagination into their lives often have a more resilient, positive mindset, and they’re more open to life's unpredictable challenges. Playing in ways that involve humor or creativity can renew our perspective on daily life, helping us approach situations with a lighter heart and greater openness.

Play as a Tool for Social Connection

Beyond individual health, play serves as a powerful social connector. Engaging in group play—anything from a recreational sport to a board game night—fosters trust, deepens bonds, and helps us feel connected, especially during times of isolation or personal stress. For Black adults, who may face added pressures, playful interactions with friends, family, or community can be a buffer against stress and a way to create lasting social connections.

The Physical Health Benefits of Play

The benefits of play reach our bodies as much as they do our minds. Activities like dancing, sports, or outdoor recreation lower stress by reducing cortisol levels and releasing endorphins, promoting mental clarity and relaxation. Black adults are disproportionately impacted by stress-related conditions, which can make this form of health maintenance particularly relevant. Physical play allows us to prioritize well-being through joy, improving cardiovascular health and creating a positive association with physical activity that’s often missing in adulthood.

Dr. Stuart Brown, a psychiatrist and founder of the National Institute for Play, emphasizes that play isn’t just a break from adult responsibilities but an integral part of emotional growth, social connection, and creativity. Brown asserts, “The opposite of play is not work; it’s depression.”

How to Start: Playful Activities for Adults

Making room for play doesn’t mean abandoning responsibility but carving out intentional time for joy. Here are some accessible ideas:

1. Reconnect with Childhood Activities: Remember the pure joy of childhood activities? Reconnect with old hobbies like drawing, roller skating, or even hopscotch. These can provide a quick path back to play.

2. Outdoor Recreation: Hiking, biking, or simply taking a walk in a green space does wonders for the spirit. For Black folks who may feel out of place in the outdoors, groups like The Unpopular Black can be a supportive community space for such exploration.

3. Join a Group or Class: Dance classes, team sports, and creative workshops are great ways to engage in play while meeting others. Finding joy through movement is a powerful and liberating experience.

4. Cultural Play: Engage in cultural games or traditional forms of play like dominoes or double-dutch. These activities are not only fun but a way to connect with heritage and build bonds within the community.

The Bottom Line: Prioritize Play for Wellness and Joy

Reclaiming play in adulthood is an act of self-compassion and a radical choice for those of us who have been told to hustle constantly. For Black adults, the freedom to play serves as a counter-narrative to a world that doesn’t always see our value or complexity. Play is not only a way to recharge but a meaningful act of self-expression and community building that can pave the way for a more balanced life.

So, let’s give ourselves permission to play, to laugh, and to breathe. Let’s create lives filled with moments of joy, reminding ourselves—and the world—that we are worthy of rest, of laughter, and of reclaiming our time for ourselves.