Discover the benefits of adult play for healing and creativity. Learn how play helps trauma recovery, reduces stress, and enhances joy and self-expression. – 7 Minute Read.
Rediscovering the Power of Play
When was the last time you played—really played—just for fun, with no goal in mind? Most of us leave play behind when we grow up, thinking it’s something only kids need. We begin adulting (which is horrible) and being all mature about life. But the truth is, play is essential for your emotional well-being, especially if you are healing from trauma.
I used to believe that being productive was more important than being playful. I grew up in a household where busy was a badge of honour and downtime was earned. I took that mindset into adulthood and exchanged stories in the lunchroom of “I’m just so busy!” – look at me adulting.
That changed when I learnt that play wasn’t a distraction—it is a very important form of self-care that helped me reconnect with joy, reduced my stress, and allowed me to on occasion, enter a flow state.
I came from a very creative family, and I love to make things, all sorts of things all the time… normally with way too many projects on the go. So, I was always creating, but the reason I could justify doing that, is I was always creating for others. Gifts or requests, never doing anything for no reason, just because I wanted. How could I possibly justify just playing for no reason? I created the same way I approached the rest of my life. Productively and with deadlines. Not exactly a stress-free environment for creativity to flow.
But play doesn’t need to be creative like it is for me. It can be games, building things, Lego, sandcastles, storytelling, scribbling, doing a puzzle, making a fairy garden for the spider that lives on your windowsill. The concept of play is never-ending.
By the end of this post, you’ll understand:
- What adult play is and why it matters
- How play supports emotional healing and trauma recovery
- The connection between play and creativity
- Ways to incorporate more play into your daily life
What Is Adult Play and Why Does It Matter?
Play isn’t just about games—it’s about engaging in activities for sheer joy and relaxation. As mentioned above, it can take many forms, from painting and dancing to playing an instrument or even laughing with friends.
There are several reasons why play is so good for you.
The Science of Play
- Play reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in response to stress and danger, triggering our fight, flight, freeze or fawn response.
- It triggers dopamine release, promoting feelings of pleasure and motivation. Dopamine is commonly called the “feel-good” hormone. It helps you feel happy, but it also assists in learning, memory and regulating movement.
- It strengthens neural connections, helping to rewire the brain for resilience. This occurs because play triggers the engagement of different parts of the brain. Play provides a safe environment to practice and reinforce new behaviours.
Play as a Way to Reconnect with Yourself
If you are healing from trauma of any kind, play can be a way to reclaim parts of yourself that felt lost or generally get to know yourself all over again. When you engage in playful activities, you create a safe space for self-expression, self-reflection, ideas and emotional release.
How Play Helps Trauma Healing
Encourages Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief
- Engaging in playful activities helps shift the nervous system from fight-or-flight mode to a state of relaxation. This occurs because you are engaging parts of your brain which encourage the stabilisation of the hormones in your body.
- Activities like movement, laughter, and music help regulate emotions and lower anxiety. Again, this is due to the encouragement of “feel good” hormones being released in your body.
Provides a Non-Verbal Outlet for Processing Emotions
- Play offers a gentle way to express feelings without needing words. It stimulates your imagination and can allow you to engage with your emotions.
- Creative play, such as drawing or storytelling, helps release emotions in a low-pressure environment.
Strengthens the Mind-Body Connection
- Trauma often causes disconnection from the body. It can also increase the level of tension and tightness that we carry.
- Physical play, such as yoga, dance, or even playful stretching, helps rebuild trust in bodily sensations. It is a wonderful way of connecting with our body and being grateful for its ability to move.
The Link Between Play and Creativity
Play Enhances Problem-Solving and Innovation
When we engage in play, our brains become more flexible in problem-solving. This is because play encourages the exploration of other perspectives, stimulation of different ideas by taking people outside of their usual patterns. Play fosters out-of-the-box thinking, which boosts creative thinking and ideas.
The Connection Between Playfulness and Artistic Expression
Many creative endeavours, such as painting, music, and writing, are forms of play. It is a known fact that when Albert Einstein got stuck on a problem, he would walk away and play the violin. He believed that playing music instead of dwelling on the problem would clear his mind and stimulate his creativity, allowing for breakthroughs. He considered it a vital part of his working life.
Types of Play for Adults – but this list is never ending
Creative Play
- Painting, journaling, sewing, knitting, or woodwork. Any form of crafty, creating or making.
- Writing poetry or stories for fun.
Physical Play
- Dancing, yoga, or outdoor activities like bouldering, or swimming at the beach.
- Playing a sport without pressure to “win.”
Social Play
- Board games, improv, or laughter and fun-filled conversations.
- Participating in group activities like escape rooms or quiz nights.
Imaginative Play
- Storytelling, role-playing, or fantasy reading.
- Engaging in creative problem-solving games.
How to Add More Play to your Life
Give Yourself Permission
- This is the most important step. Let go of the belief that play is “unproductive” or “childish.”
- Recognise that play is a form of self-care and healing. It is a type of resent and rest for our bodies and minds.
Identify What Feels Playful to You
- Play looks different for everyone; we all enjoy different things, so experiment —find activities that spark joy in you.
- Think back to what you loved doing as a child. Is this something you can recreate?
- Look for inspiration, take yourself on an Artist’s Date.
Start Small
- Schedule just 10-15 minutes of playful activity into your week. Add to that allotted time. If you happen to get carried away in the moment in that play… then let it happen. It’s good for you!
- Try something new and see how it makes you feel. Pinterest is a great way of gaining ideas.
Join a Playful Community
- Find a local improv group, art class, or game night. Go to a creative class with a friend. There are endless possibilities and events in nearly every community.
Surround yourself with people who value playfulness. Life is hard enough. We don’t need to fit the perceived mould of others all the time. Find a tribe that resonates with
Final Thoughts: Play as a Path to Healing
Play is not just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for your healing, creativity, and stress relief. By making space for play in your life, you can reconnect with joy, process emotions, and enhance your self-expression. It gives your brain peace, a place to thrive and learn.
Have you tried a playful activity that you love? Or is there something you’d really like to give a go? Let me know in the comments!
FAQs
Can play really help with trauma recovery?
Yes! Play engages the brain in ways that promote healing by reducing stress hormones, increasing joy hormones, fostering emotional expression, and rebuilding the mind-body connection. It creates a safe space to process emotions and rediscover joy without pressure.
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Nadine Brown
As a survivor of emotional and physical abuse, I know firsthand how difficult the healing journey can be. I created The Resilient Blueprint as a passion project—an accessible resource hub designed to empower others on their path to recovery. My goal is to provide survivors with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to reclaim their lives.
