The Power of Play — How Being Childlike Unlocks Creativity and Eases Stress

When was the last time you truly played? Not scrolling, not multitasking, not “productive relaxation” — but pure, joyful play?

Most of us left that behind with childhood. Yet play isn’t just for kids — it’s medicine for the adult mind, body, and spirit.

In fact, play is one of the most natural ways to relieve stress and spark creativity.

It resets the nervous system, awakens curiosity, and brings us back into the moment — the same state where inspiration and healing thrive.

Here are six ways to re-introduce play into your life.

1. Play moves you from “doing” to “being”

Our modern world keeps us in constant doing mode — lists, plans, pressure.
Play invites us back into being. It quiets the busy mind and opens access to imagination, intuition, and flow.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Grabbing some paint or chalk and creating without expectation. Notice how your body relaxes and your creativity awakens naturally.

2. Joyful movement melts stress

Laughter and play release a natural cocktail of endorphins, dopamine, and oxytocin — your body’s own stress-reducing, feel-good chemicals.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Dancing like no one’s watching. Being silly. Laughing with friends or your pets. Participate in laughing yoga. 

These simple moments shift your whole mood and rewire your brain for calm and clarity.

3. Curiosity opens creative pathways

Children constantly ask, “Why?” “What if?” “How come?” This natural curiosity helps them see the world with fresh eyes. 
As adults, when we ask those same questions, we unlock new ways of thinking.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Playing the “What if…” game:

“What if this was easy?”
“What if I looked at it upside down?”

Creativity flows where curiosity leads.

4. Imaginative play builds resilience

Pretending, storytelling, and playful imagination strengthen mental flexibility — a key to navigating stress and change.

When you can imagine new possibilities, you can also imagine solutions.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Making up a short story or silly skit — with your partner, your kids, or even your dog. Laughter opens your heart and softens the mind’s grip on control.

5. Nature play restores inner balance

Grounding in nature — gardening, walking barefoot, cloud watching — activates your parasympathetic “rest and digest” system. It’s a natural reset button.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Lying on the grass and noticing the clouds drift by or gazing at the stars - seeking a shooting star to make a wishm

Feel your breath slow.
This quiet presence restores peace and makes space for creativity to bloom.

6. Presence is the secret ingredient

Children and animals live completely in the now. That presence is what dissolves stress and allows new ideas to surface. When you bring that same mindfulness to play, your nervous system relaxes, and inspiration naturally returns.

Invite yourself to step into this by: 

Blowing bubbles, painting rocks, or building something just for fun. It’s not about the outcome — it’s about reconnecting with the joy of being alive.

Reminder:

Learning to Live Life Wise 365 days a year:

Play isn’t a waste of time — it’s a vital nutrient for your nervous system, creativity, and emotional balance.

When you allow yourself to be childlike again — curious, playful, and free — you awaken the part of you that knows how to thrive.

So go ahead: dance barefoot, laugh loudly, color outside the lines, and rediscover what makes your spirit light.

Your creativity will thank you.

Your stress will dissolve.

And your inner child will smile.

🌿 Invitw yourself to Play This Week. A few ideas to get you started.

Monday: Doodle or color for 10 minutes

Wednesday: Dance to your favorite song

Friday: Walk barefoot and notice nature’s details

Sunday: Create something just for fun — cook, garden, or craft

Play daily! Seek the Joy! Live life wisely!

I look forward to hear other ways that you are inviting yourself to play. Please share so others may enjoy these activities too.

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