In therapy last week, I was talking about playing as a child. I loved Lego. It left me thinking about when the last time I played with Lego was before it was packed away. And about much play I engage in now, as an alleged “adult”.

So, this is a thread about play.

Society tends to dismiss play for adults because it’s seen as unproductive, petty or even a guilty pleasure. There is a belief that adulthood has to be serious. Worse still, the only type of play that’s really widely acceptable is competitive play.

Frankly, that’s all bollox.

A lot of people don’t engage in play because it counters their serious self-image. If this is you, then you need to work the edges off that ego of yours and start factoring playtime into your life.

It’s important that you have time where you don’t have to be a responsible adult.

Play shouldn’t end with childhood, it’s good for your mental health, your intellectual and cognitive functioning, your imagination, and your sense of yourself.

More importantly, play helps you to stay content. All work, and no play, can actually make you a dull person.

I’m not going all Jungian or Popular Psychology here. This isn’t about your “inner child”. Because play isn’t a childish activity, it’s an activity seen in most mammals, irrespective of age. Although play in childhood, and adulthood serve different purposes.

There’s a lot of content about relaxation to reduce stress. But play is also very effective in reducing stress because it gives you a chance to be a little silly, gain enjoyment, engage in something pleasurable and, most importantly: have fun.

Yes, there are absolutely sexual connotations to “play” in adulthood. Yes, sex is considered play as long as everyone present is consenting. Yes, masturbation is also considered play, there’s a reason they’re called sex “toys”. I’m not an expert in this, but @SexSiopa is.

Gambling is NOT play. I don’t care what Betfair or PaddyPower tell you. Play is something done for its own sake; it’s voluntary, pleasurable, and offers a sense of engagement. The act itself is important, not the outcome. Gambling is always about the outcome. That’s not play.

If your lost for ideas try:
Making a model
Drawing, colouring, or painting
A computer game
Board or card games
Lego
Climbing

If you’ve any suggestions, throw them in the comments.

It’s ok if you don’t know how to play. Start small, and it will come naturally to you. Now more than ever, play is important.

There aren’t any rules, as long as it’s silly, unproductive and time consuming, you’re doing it right.