Playing Together for Fun: Creative Play and Lifelong Games

Probably the most comprehensive article about the fun-health connection I know of is one that I just so happened to be co-author. Called "Playing Together for Fun: Creative Play and Lifelong Games," the article includes not only a great selection of games, but an extensive analysis of the benefits of play.

Here's a taste:

What are the lifelong benefits of laughter and play?

Social skills – Social skills are learned in the give and take of play. Without play, people have a difficult time developing skills of communicating trust and mutual pleasure. If play is minimal or contains conflicting signals, these skills are not integrated or refined. Concepts of verbal and body language, safety and danger, freedom and boundaries are discovered and practiced repeatedly during infant and child play. Other important qualities that develop through regular play include empathy, compassion and the capacity for intimacy. Emotional intelligence is also developed through play.

Personal strengths – The ability to take on responsibility, find meaning in life, and perhaps discover our personal bliss requires a full measure of play. Play develops adaptability and flexibility, which are fundamental to positive, proactive behavior. Humor and imagination are also byproducts of play. Playful activity is calming and relaxes our nervous systems so that we feel safe which leads us to the next great benefit of play – learning.

Learning – Playful discovery is a doorway to learning. Play helps us exercise our problem solving and adaptive abilities by stimulating our imaginations. Play arouses curiosity, which leads to discovery and creativity. The components of play – curiosity, discovery, novelty, risk-taking, trial and error, pretense, games, social etiquette and other increasingly complex adaptive activities – are the same as the components of learning.

Health – The benefits of laughter and play in easing, overcoming and preventing both physical and emotional health problems are numerous. Studies show that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function by raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells, disease-fighting proteins called Gamma-interferon and B-cells, which produce disease-destroying antibodies. Laughter may also trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, and produce a general sense of well-being. These and other benefits are described more fully in the section devoted to play and health.

Connection – Openness of one's heart to others is enhanced through the joy of play. Consistently establishing positive connections with others while playing sets a standard that people, especially children, recognize and return to in search of more positive connections. Sharing joy, laughter and fun with others promotes bonding and strengthens a sense of community. Play-deprived kids are more vulnerable to impulsive behavior, especially when over-stimulated by TV, video games, the emotions of others, or their own easily aroused emotions.

Perseverance – The rewards of learning or mastering a new game teaches us that perseverance is worthwhile. Perseverance is a trait necessary to healthy adulthood, and it is learned largely through play. Perseverance and violence are rarely found together.

Joy and happiness – Beyond all these excellent reasons for playing, there is simply the sheer fun of it. Play is a state of being happy and joyous. Jumping into and out of the world of play on a daily basis can preserve and nourish our own hearts, and the hearts of our communities.