Play your way to better mental health
Explore how fun activities can improve mental health for you and your child, with easy ways to reduce stress and enhance wellbeing
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant juggle of work deadlines, school runs, and household chores. But here’s the truth, play isn’t just for children. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, boosts mental health, and creates deeper, stronger connections with your family.
Whether it’s a family board game night, a spontaneous living room dance-off, or a quick round of hide-and-seek, these moments can significantly improve everyone’s mental health. Not only do they alleviate stress, but they also fuel creativity, spark imagination, and build your child’s social skills and confidence.
Here are a few stress-relieving activities to add a little more joy and laughter into your life;
Social play
For children, social play is like a practice run for real life. Whether it’s a friendly ball game in the garden, a game of charades, or even a DIY obstacle course in the park, they learn how to cooperate, take turns, and work through disagreements, all skills they will carry with them forever.
For parents, stress-relief play can feel like a breath of fresh air that helps lighten the mood after a long day. Not only that, play and laughter can reduce cortisol levels, boost endorphins, and help ground you, especially when combined with the calming effects of nature, fresh air, and open skies.
Creative play
The role of creative play in mental health has proven to be significant. For children, it builds confidence and helps them work through big emotions without even realising it. For adults, it’s a way to find a moment of mindfulness, rediscover a sense of wonder, ground yourself in the moment and eliminate worry.
Whether it is painting and drawing, playing a musical instrument, or building a cushion fortress in the living room, these shared experiences aren’t just fun, they’re building blocks of connection and understanding.
Mind play
Playing board and puzzle games isn’t just beneficial for children, it’s a mental health boost for parents too. By combining fun with critical thinking, mind games provide a mental workout that strengthens both minds and relationships. They provide a break from daily stress, encourage mindfulness, and create opportunities to connect with loved ones. By focusing on problem-solving and teamwork, these games help parents relax, recharge, and strengthen family bonds.
Making stress relief play a part of your family’s life
If you’re wondering how to squeeze more play into your family’s busy schedule, start small. It doesn’t have to be a big production, sometimes the simplest moments are the most meaningful. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Set a play date: Schedule time for play like you would any other important activity. Even 20 minutes of uninterrupted playtime can make a big difference.
- Follow their lead: Let your children take the reins sometimes. Whether they want to play superheroes or set up a tea party, their enthusiasm will be contagious.
- Get moving: Physical, stress-relief activities like hopscotch, tag, or a family hike are great for burning off energy and boosting everyone’s mood.
- Unplug together: Make a conscious effort to ditch the screens and focus on each other. The emails can wait, your family moments are more important.
Remember, play isn’t just about having fun (though it’s a big perk). It’s about creating a happier, healthier family dynamic where everyone feels supported and connected. The importance of play for mental health goes beyond the laughter and games, it’s an investment in your family’s wellbeing.
