“We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing.” Benjamin Franklin
Playing is at the same time a great way to relax and one of the best ways to activate the body and the brain.
Children need play time because while they are climbing up a tree, running after a ball, fighting imaginary monsters, playing doctors or even videogames they are exercising their brains and bodies for the challenges of adulthood.
Playgrounds in parks or pet zoos are both healthy and educational, and the interaction with other children and animals will teach them how to regulate their emotions, a skill that will serve them well as they grow up.
Many studies have proved that the best way to learn is through play and games.
Playing fosters cooperation with others within a set of simple or more sophisticated rules. Loosing fair and square is a valuable lesson that will be an incentive for improvement.
Sharing laughter and fun with others promotes bonding and empathy, thus increasing the emotional intelligence.
Many of us (especially those with grown up children) have stopped playing.
‘Others’ spend their leisure time in front of the TV or in Shopping Malls.
However, everything that was said also applies to adults.
We spend most of our time at work. Today business life is overwhelming and full of stress, so we go home feeling irritated and tired.
Modern companies have been trying to reverse this problem by creating pleasant work environments, sponsoring health club fees and supplying ‘playrooms’ for their staff to recharge batteries.
http://www.google.com/about/jobs/locations/zurich/
Google’s office in Zurich is a great example – ‘Our office has a different design theme on each floor, massage stations and restaurant-quality food.’
In today’s world creativity is the most precious asset in any business but it will never flourish with chronically overwhelmed and burned out staff.
So taking the time to replenish yourself through play is really a win-win situation that will improve your health, your relationships and your career.
