Play. Be playful, lighthearted, and leisurely.
Last month, to my surprise, someone asked me what I do for fun.
Initially, I found myself answering automatically: dancing, singing, reading. But afterward, I considered the question again and realized, while I DO love those things, that list doesn't quite seem right. Maybe it's that I don't do them as often or the way I would like... or maybe something is missing? Let's face it, the pandemic has altered my life, which was already in a change state from motherhood. For a decade before, so much of what I enjoyed in life was connected to my career and exploring so many fun things in the fitness and wellness field. But I am realizing now there's a whole side of me that is new, different, and unexplored.
So over the last few weeks, I have found myself pondering, who is Steff now and what do I enjoy doing?
Inspired by Ayurveda's guidance for the Spring: PLAY, be playful, light-hearted, and leisurely, I've started testing out what 40-year old Steff in current times enjoys doing. I want to know what lights me up and what will keep my fire burning. For me.
According to Google, here are some helpful definitions.
Play
Verb: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose.
Noun: activity engaged in for enjoyment and recreation, especially by children.
Playful
Adjective: fond of games and amusement; lighthearted.
Lighthearted
Adjective: amusing and entertaining; (of a person or their behavior) cheerful and carefree.
Leisurely
Adjective: acting or done at leisure; unhurried or relaxed.
As adults, it is common to wait to engage in something fun or relaxing until after you’ve completed the to-do list, or a time when there’s not so much going on, or you’ve hit the proverbial wall.
In terms of the rhythm of the year, break periods (e.g.: Spring Break or the week before the New Year) and summer especially are popular times for leisurely activities.
And when it comes to taking time off, taking a vacation, or simply just freeing up time, there’s a tendency to work overtime to do alll the things just to prepare. Then after that time off period is finished, it’s right back “to the grind”. And it’s a hard adjustment. Right?
In the last couple of weeks, in spotlighting this practice, I've had to reckon with old narratives from dominant culture and other people about how deserving I am to enjoy life, be light-hearted, to play and also be leisurely.
And I've been tuning up my self-esteem along the way.
This journey with my self-esteem is what has inspired this month's free Community workshop: Develop Your Self-Esteem to Mindfully Support Your Self-Care. I figured I couldn't be the only one who needed help with this and I hope you'll join me if this conversation feels supportive for you.
So far, my experience has been really weird, and interesting, and exciting. I've learned I really love to watch the sky. And I love to spend time in nature amongst pretty, colorful flowers. So I've been doing those things daily and at the very least, a few times weekly. And I've been stepping into my power in understanding it is my divine right to enjoy life, be light-hearted, to play and also be leisurely.
Research has found that being playful leads to a more fulfilled life. Play inspires free-thinking, creativity, and a feeling of being free-spirited and thus, improves your work and your relationships. It creates an experience of pure enjoyment, free-flowing fun, and imagination that doesn’t need structure. Play that happens spontaneously as well as planned time for play are both beneficial. And while it's usually saved for the summer months, or after working really hard to free up time, the truth is:
Adults need time to pause, break free from tight schedules, and slow down the pace of hectic lives EVERY DAY, 365 days a year. Play, light-heartedness, & leisure are necessities.
The reality is, in most cases, life satisfaction will result from personal life status rather than professional. And researchers have found that engaging in play increases happiness, aligns you with your deepest needs, and is a big indicator of your well-being. It also helps improve mood, shift attitude, and helps you take care of yourself. Most importantly, it can be a key factor in you living authentically and presenting your best self at work and home. In the hardest of times and during chronic stress.
Why? Because play has a ton of benefits including: increased cell growth in the brain, strengthened and the development of new neural pathways, better verbal and social skills, and improved decision-making and problem-solving skills.
So, whichever word(s) speak to you more: play, playful, lighthearted, and leisurely…
Do it. Welcome it. Be it. Enjoy it.
Create a life you don't have to escape from.
…And also don't wait until vacation for playfulness.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Create or rekindle relationships
Meet up with friends
Enjoy time with loved ones
Engage in a hobby you love or try a new one!
Get outside (if your allergies allow) with your phone in your pocket (I invite you to not even take any pictures - be totally present!)
Take a walk but don’t hurry
Take an adventure
Listen to music and sing/dance along
Do something or surround yourself with people who make you laugh
Spring loves structure but spontaneity is great, too!
Use unscheduled time to people watch, daydream, reflect, and decompress
Spark your creativity
Color, paint, create!
Play games
Engage in friendly competition
This has been the focus of the Wholistic Self-Care Collective this month. I've been offering ideas on getting started, how to find time for it, and and overcoming barriers in creating this lifestyle practice without getting overwhelmed or deciding it's not important. I look forward in the coming weeks to supporting my peeps in unpacking any thoughts or navigating life challenges standing in the way. Feeling like this is guidance and support you need? Join us! Registration is ongoing and you can hop in here!
