We all know the saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” But what if we took that one step further and said, “All work and no play makes Jack a stressed out, anxious wreck of a human being?” That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the point still stands—play is important. And not just for kids, either. Adults need playtime, too. In fact, adults need playtime even more than kids do! Why? Because as we get older, we tend to forget how to play. We get so wrapped up in our jobs and our mortgages and our car payments that we forget how to relax and have fun. But it’s important to remember that play is a crucial part of being human. Play helps us relax, reduces stress, and boosts our moods. Not to mention, it’s just plain old fun!

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If you’re thinking to yourself, “I don’t have time to play! I’ve got too much going on,” then you’re exactly the person who needs to make time for play. It may seem counterintuitive, but setting aside some time for mindless fun can actually help you be more productive when you’re working. That’s because play can help reduce stress, increase creativity, and improve your problem-solving skills. So set aside some time each day—even if it’s just 15 minutes—to do something that you enjoy without worrying about whether or not it’s productive. Read a book just for fun. Take your dog for a leisurely walk around the block. Play a game of catch with your kids in the backyard. Just make sure that you’re present in the moment and enjoying yourself. That’s what mindful play is all about.

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Mindful play is crucial for both children and adults alike. It helps reduce stress, increase creativity, boost moods, and improve overall mental health. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, take some time to engage in some mindless fun. You might just find that it makes you more productive in the long run!