the art of playfulness

In a world obsessed with productivity, efficiency, and adulting at full throttle, playfulness is often dismissed as childish nonsense. We’re conditioned to believe that growing up means growing out of fun; replacing carefree laughter with serious discussions, swapping daydreaming for deadlines, and setting aside silliness in favour of respectability. What if I told you, though, that being playful is not just good for the soul, it's a radical, even revolutionary, act?

Every one of us has an inner child - a part of ourselves that still marvels at the world, that wants to explore, create, and, yes, be utterly, unapologetically playful and silly. Yet somewhere along the way, we were told to suppress that part of ourselves, we were taught to behave, to conform, to 'act our age'.

Why? Because society rewards predictability and punishes unpredictability. Playfulness is seen as unproductive, frivolous... even foolish. Yet in reality, embracing play can lead to breakthroughs in creativity, stronger mental health, and more fulfilling relationships.

I had my own moment of playfulness-driven rebellion one night some years ago on the way to a local concert. My friend was following me in her car, and as we navigated the route, we hit a series of roundabouts. Instead of taking the straightforward path, I decided, on a whim, to drive around each and every roundabout three times before taking the exit. My friend played along (she really didn't have much choice as she didn't know the way to the location).

When we reached destination, she got out of her car looking a bit bemused and amused, and asked, "What on earth were you doing at the roundabouts?"

"I was having fun, embracing my inner child", I replied with a giggle, a giggle she joined in with. Clearly she had enjoyed my antics and had had fun embracing her inner child also.

This small, seemingly silly act wasn’t just a moment of fun, it was a reclamation of joy. It was a reminder that we don’t always have to follow the straight and narrow path just because it’s what’s expected of us. Sometimes, we can take an extra loop, break from the norm, and create a memory instead of just a routine drive.

Another moment where I faced my fears and embraced playfulness happened while hiking with my husband. The trail we were on featured a series of ten metal tube-like slides designed to help hikers descend quickly. At first, I hesitated. The thought of sliding down steep metal tubes terrified me. What if I got hurt? What if I looked ridiculous? What if I lost control?

Then I realised - I was letting fear rob me of an experience that could be exhilarating. So, with my heart pounding, I sat down on the first slide and inched myself to the edge before the slippery metal caught my mat and I had no choice but to go with the pull of gravity. It was amazing!

With each slide, I laughed harder and louder, feeling more free and alive. By the last one, I didn’t care who was watching or whether I looked silly. I had conquered my fear and rediscovered the thrill of childlike adventure.

Many of history’s greatest thinkers and innovators were people who refused to take life too seriously. From Albert Einstein’s love of playing the violin to Salvador Dalí’s surreal pranks, playfulness has always been a force for creativity and transformation. So I've pulled together a bunch of reasons why embracing your inner goofball can change your life:

Play is a Form of Rebellion - we live in a culture that tells us to work harder, move faster, and take things seriously. Refusing to let go of joy is an act of defiance against a system that values productivity over well-being. When you laugh, dance, or act silly, you’re pushing back against the pressures of adulthood that demand you be all-business-no-play, all the time.

Play Fuels Creativity and Innovation - the most creative breakthroughs happen when we’re in a state of play. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas for a project, improvising in the moment, or allowing our imaginations to run wild, play invites curiosity and exploration - two essential ingredients for innovation.

It Strengthens Relationships - play connects people. Shared laughter, inside jokes, and spontaneous moments of joy build bonds that go beyond surface-level connections. When we let ourselves be silly, we invite others to do the same, creating a space for deeper, more authentic relationships.

It Reduces Stress and Boosts Mental Health - if you needed any further encouragement to embrace play, science has proven that play releases endorphins, reduces cortisol (the stress hormone), and helps combat anxiety and depression. Adults who engage in playful activities report feeling more energised, present, and emotionally resilient.

Play is a Pathway to Presence - when you’re truly playing, you’re in the moment. Whether you’re jumping in puddles, making up a silly song, or spinning around in a roundabout for no reason at all, you’re fully engaged in the now. That’s a rare gift in a world that constantly pulls us into worry about the past or future.

So how do we unlearn the idea that adulthood must be serious business 24/7? Let me share with you a few ideas that will inject more play into your life. Why not do something absurd, just because you can like wearing mis-matched socks, tying different coloured laces in your shoes, or starting a spontaneous dance party in your kitchen? What about prioritising play in the same way you do work by scheduling time for fun like you would schedule a meeting, appointment, or workout? Make sure you surround yourself with playful people because energy is contagious; spend more time with those who encourage your playful side rather than suppress it. One of the biggest roadblocks to embracing play is often our own fear of judgment. Do you want to know a secret? Most people are way too busy worrying about themselves to judge you. And even if they do, that’s their loss, and it's not your business. One of the simplest ways to embrace play is to revisit your childhood joys. What did you enjoy most as a kid? Blowing bubbles? Climbing a tree? Finger painting? Do it, and have fun.

Imagine if more adults embraced play, if meetings included a joke or two, if strangers danced on the street just because the music moved them, if we prioritised happiness as much as we prioritise hustle...

Being playful isn’t just an act of personal liberation, it’s an invitation to others. Play creates a ripple effect of joy in a world that often feels too heavy. So the next time life feels suffocatingly serious, take a deep breath, embrace your inner child, and maybe, just maybe, take one extra loop around the roundabout or slide down the mountain with laughter in your heart.