Happiness 1st Institute Programs

Make Play OK

Our society has developed an unhealthy paradigm for adults–that mature adults don’t play. We pay to go to gyms and walk or run on treadmills when, if it weren’t for our conception of play as “childish” we could just go outside and play. Then, we have to make deliberate efforts to go outside to combat the epidemic levels of depression.

There is nothing wrong with adults playing. Mature adults are individuals who are responsible for themselves. The concept of putting aside childish things like playing just to prove to others that we are adults is passé. A paradigm shift that Makes Play OK would do tremendous good for health and well-being.

Years ago, a neighbor of mine in her 60’s lost significant amounts of weight. In speaking with her, she told me that her doctor had been on her to lose weight for decades but he never encouraged her to get a dog. She had adopted a little dog the year before and attributed  her weight loss directly to his adoption. Adopting a dog is also a good way to exercise more–if you love animals and will take good care of the new member of the family. 

Making Play OK is something that is not restricted by the same limits. 

What do I envision? I envision a world where neighbors know one another because they knock on one another’s doors in the evening and on weekends to see if see if the neighbor can come out and play. I travel frequently and many hotels have vast lawns that look pretty, but what a great place to play tag or Lemon-aide (described in my book), Frisbee, or other games.  If you’re a member of Nextdoor (nextdoor.com — a free website designed to bring communities together), share the idea with your community there or use other methods of sharing. Then start playing. I’d love to hear the success stores. Contact me to adopt the idea as part of your corporate wellness program. 

As with all exercise programs, if you have any doubts about your ability to participate, check with your doctor–then ask him or her to come play, too. :o)