My friend and I were catching up the other day about how things have changed with technology, especially how kids play and socialise. Remember when we argued about who was the fastest or best at football, playing hide and seek, cops and robbers, stuck in the mud, and other cool games? Nowadays, kids are all about TikTok challenges, Candy Crush tournaments, and having the latest device, a phone or a hand-held console. We’re not saying these things weren’t around when we were young, but they weren’t as big a deal as now. After a long day of running around, playing football, cycling, and maybe even some marbles (bano), we’d wrap things up by turning on the Sony console and wiping the backside of the game CD so it would start up. And if you had a cartridge game like Nintendo or Sega Mega, you had to blow into it to remove any dust interfering with the console’s power. That was our version of “buffering” and “refreshing” back in the 90s 😂.
Forget what they say about all work and no play! Even in all the nostalgia, I agree that times change and innovation has to do its thing and overtake the former way of doing things. But it doesn’t mean that we lose the essence of all these things- to play and have fun. Playing around isn’t just for laughs but perfect for your social life. From kids learning the ropes of friendship on the playground to adults bonding over games, play helps us connect. We may not be able to compare two situations, but whether playing jump rope or catching up on a game of Monopoly, we learn how to talk, listen, share, and work together, all while having a good time. Social and active interactions with friends help us heal from emotional stuff and build stronger relationships. Next time you feel like letting loose and having fun do it! You’re basically giving your social skills and emotional health a high five.
Forget the suit and tie (or Teams and Zoom?)! Turns out, work isn’t all about being serious. Many companies find that letting employees loosen up and have fun leads to better work. Think games tables, yoga classes, or even short breaks to goof with coworkers. All this play leads to happier, more productive employees who are less likely to call in sick or quit. Even if your workplace isn’t exactly a playground, you can still sneak in some fun during breaks. Joke with colleagues, doodle during downtime or challenge them to a lunchtime game of cards. Don’t get me wrong- I am not saying you should have a PlayStation 5 setup at the office, but a little play can make a big difference, especially to break free from the usual boring routines. So ditch the frown and embrace your inner child – maybe, just maybe, your work will thank you for it!
“Necessity may be the mother of invention, but play is certainly the father.”
Roger von Oech
Realistically, we are not always on top of our game, especially when facing challenges and hard times. But who knows, maybe the path to whatever solution you seek gets clearer when you take everything lightly. Also, it may not be our first nature- I know it’s not mine, but it is something we can nurture with time. Sure, shyness and fear of rejection might make you hold back, but this is how we explored and thrived as kids. It’s the foundation for so much growth. Plus, a playful approach can help you find the humour in everyday problems, even the most stressful ones. Instead of getting bogged down, a little joy can lighten the load and offer a fresh perspective. So set aside some time for pure play, crack a joke with a friend, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. The more you tap into that cheerful side, the more natural and comfortable it will become. You might even surprise yourself with new ideas and a lighter outlook on life’s challenges.
Four years back, the world was hit by a global pandemic that turned everything upside down. Work, school, businesses, health, relationships, you name it – everything was affected. We had limited motion and restricted interactions, lost jobs, and businesses shut down. But hey, we made it through. Looking back, I’m grateful for the virtual meetings and sessions that kept us entertained and connected with our loved ones. We played games, took lessons, and worked together, all while observing safe distances and wearing masks. This experience taught me that life is precious, and we should cherish it by spending quality time with our loved ones and enjoying the pleasures of life.
“Almost all creativity involves purposeful play.”
Abraham Maslow
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