Wouldn’t it be amazing if life felt more like play? Imagine waking up each day excited, energized, and eager to jump into whatever’s next—not because you have to, but because you genuinely enjoy it. Yet, as we grow older, responsibilities often replace fun, and we lose touch with the joy and freedom we once felt in our childhood.
But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be this way. You can build a life that feels like play by shifting your mindset and habits. Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a state of mind, and it’s about creativity, curiosity, and a sense of freedom. So how do you get back to that feeling of joy and flow? Let’s explore how to build a life that feels like play, even in the midst of adulting.
1. Reclaim Your Curiosity
One of the easiest ways to introduce more play into your life is to bring back curiosity. When we’re curious, we approach life like an adventure—everything becomes new and exciting. Kids are naturally curious, exploring the world with wonder and asking endless questions. As adults, we often get too busy to ask “what if” or “why not?”
How to Do It:
- Try new things: Whether it’s a hobby, a new sport, or an unfamiliar genre of music, step out of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. It might be intimidating at first, but the more you try, the more fun you’ll have.
- Ask questions: Start asking “why” more often. Why does something work the way it does? Why do you enjoy the things you do? This simple shift in thinking can open up new areas of joy and exploration.
Pro Tip: Take a “curiosity walk” every week where you intentionally notice new things around you. The color of the sky, a hidden café, or even the architecture of your neighborhood can feel like a treasure hunt.
2. Make Room for Spontaneity
As adults, we often schedule every minute of our day, from meetings to workout classes to meals. This kind of rigid structure might keep us productive, but it doesn’t leave much room for play. The key to bringing more fun into your life is spontaneity—allowing yourself to follow your impulses, even if it’s for a few minutes.
How to Do It:
- Leave gaps in your schedule: Instead of planning every second, give yourself some breathing room for unexpected activities—like a random dance party, an impromptu walk, or grabbing coffee with a friend on a whim.
- Say “yes” to the unexpected: Whether it’s a last-minute invite to a new event or an unplanned detour on your commute, say “yes” to things that feel exciting, even if they weren’t part of your plan.
Pro Tip: Try setting aside one weekend a month where you do nothing that’s planned. No agenda, no expectations—just go with the flow and see where the day takes you.
3. Engage in Playful Creativity
Creativity is at the heart of play. Whether it’s painting, writing, or even solving problems in a creative way, engaging in creative activities can infuse your life with joy. And guess what? It doesn’t have to be “perfect”—play is about enjoying the process, not the outcome.
How to Do It:
- Try something new: Pick up a new hobby that excites you—whether it’s doodling, photography, learning an instrument, or making up stories. The goal isn’t to master the skill; it’s to enjoy the freedom of creating.
- Make play part of work: If you’re in a job that involves problem-solving, try approaching it with a playful mindset. Brainstorm with a sense of fun, add humor to meetings, or throw in a game to break the ice.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling stuck, try mindless creativity—something you can do without pressure. Grab a coloring book, build something from clay, or even do a puzzle. Let it be about the experience, not the result.
4. Incorporate Movement into Your Day
Kids naturally move through the world with joy—running, jumping, dancing, or simply fidgeting when they’re excited. Movement is a form of play, and it’s a great way to bring more energy and fun into your day. As adults, we often sit for long periods of time, and we forget how good it feels to move freely and with purpose.
How to Do It:
- Dance it out: Whether it’s in your living room or on your way to work, put on a song that makes you want to move and let loose. Dancing is one of the easiest ways to bring spontaneous joy and creativity into your life.
- Walk with intention: Don’t just walk to get from point A to point B—walk with a sense of play. Notice the ground beneath you, the air in your lungs, and the movement of your body.
Pro Tip: Try a playful fitness class like trampoline workouts, hula-hooping, or even a dance class. These activities make fitness feel fun, not like a chore.
5. Build Playful Relationships
Life is infinitely more fun when shared with others. Whether you’re hanging out with friends, family, or even meeting new people, play thrives in connection. Let go of the pressure to be serious all the time and embrace the fun that comes with laughter and light-heartedness.
How to Do It:
- Invite more play into social interactions: Organize casual hangouts that involve activities like board games, cooking challenges, or even scavenger hunts. These kinds of social events allow for connection and playfulness.
- Be goofy: Don’t be afraid to be silly with those you trust. Let loose, share inside jokes, and allow yourself to embrace the childlike side of you.
Pro Tip: Call up a friend and suggest doing something silly together, like playing mini-golf, going bowling, or having a picnic at the park. Laughter is a powerful tool for creating fun memories.
6. Practice Playful Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, and it’s a great tool for transforming everyday tasks into opportunities for play. When you focus on the joy of the present, everything from washing dishes to taking a shower can become a playful experience.
How to Do It:
- Turn routine tasks into games: Challenge yourself to make mundane tasks fun. Can you wash the dishes faster than you thought? Can you fold laundry with a dance break in between? Add a little playful twist to everyday activities.
- Engage in mindful play: Whether you’re coloring, walking, or cooking, engage all your senses and focus on the joy of the moment. Notice how it feels to use your hands, your breath, your body in the simplest of actions.
Pro Tip: Take a moment to be mindful when you’re doing something small. For example, mindful eating can turn every meal into an experience where you truly savor and enjoy the flavors, textures, and smells of your food.
7. Let Go of Perfection
One of the biggest barriers to play as an adult is the pressure to perform and be perfect. Play isn’t about getting it right—it’s about freedom, creativity, and joy. The more you let go of perfectionism, the more room you create for fun.
How to Do It:
- Embrace the messy: Whether it’s a hobby, a project, or even your workspace, allow yourself to make mistakes. Play is imperfect by nature, and that’s what makes it fun.
- Forgive yourself: Let go of the pressure to be perfect in your personal or professional life. The more you embrace imperfection, the easier it is to have fun and experiment without fear.
Pro Tip: Try a new activity where failure is expected—like learning an instrument or taking up painting. Let go of the need to be “good” and just enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts: Play Is Not Just for Kids
Life doesn’t have to be serious all the time. By adopting a mindset of play, you can bring more creativity, joy, and freedom into your everyday experiences. Play is about curiosity, movement, connection, and embracing life without the need for perfection. So go ahead, make room for more play in your life—because when you make life feel like play, it becomes a lot more fun to live.
