The Power of Play: Reclaiming Joy for Mental Wellness
When was the last time you truly played?
Think leisure activities like game nights, creative projects, exploration, sports, or hobbies. Often, we associate play with childhood, but the truth is—play is for everyone.
In today’s fast-paced and productivity-focused culture, carving out time for joy-filled, unstructured activity is often pushed aside. However, incorporating play into your routine can be a powerful tool for supporting your mental health, boosting your emotional resilience, and enhancing your overall well-being.
Why Is Play Important?
Play is more than just entertainment—it’s a fundamental human need. Whether you’re laughing over a board game, painting with no agenda, or joining a casual soccer match, you’re doing something profoundly healing for your mind and body.
Here’s how play can support your mental health:
Stress Relief
Play activates the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals, like endorphins and dopamine. These chemicals help reduce muscle tension, ease racing thoughts, and promote a sense of calm and well-being. In short, play gives us permission to let go and enjoy ourselves—often bringing laughter, spontaneity, and joy.
Social Connection
Many forms of play are inherently social. Shared activities—whether it’s a game night with friends or joining a local club—create moments of connection and belonging. These experiences can strengthen relationships, improve communication, and help combat feelings of isolation.
Emotional Resilience
Play encourages creativity, flexible thinking, and experimentation—without the pressure of performance. It helps us challenge perfectionism, take healthy risks, and try new things in a safe, low-stakes environment. It can also nurture a sense of mastery and confidence.
What Does Play Look Like?
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to play. What matters most is choosing activities that feel fun, energizing, or relaxing to you.
Here are a few examples to get you started:
Physical Play
Join a recreational sports team (pickleball, tennis, soccer)
Sign up for a walking or running group
Toss a football or Frisbee with a friend at the park
Take part in a community gardening group
Volunteer at an animal shelter (who doesn’t love playing with puppies?)
Creative Play
Scrapbooking or journaling
Painting or drawing (freehand or coloring books)
Pottery, air-dry clay, or bracelet making
Paint-by-number kits or DIY crafts
Comedy writing or storytelling
Check out local community centers or art collectives for open classes and workshops
Social Play
Host a game night with friends or family
Attend trivia nights at a local restaurant
Join a local kickball league or casual sports group
Organize themed parties or potlucks
Get festive with seasonal fun (pumpkin carving, gingerbread house competitions, summer picnics)
A Gentle Reminder:
Play doesn’t have to be productive. The key is to do something simply because it brings you joy—not because it checks a box or leads to an outcome.
Ask yourself: “Does this bring me joy?”
If the answer is yes, make space for it. Notice how your mindset, energy, and mood shift after engaging in play.
In a world that often rewards busyness over balance, choosing to play is an act of self-care—and even resistance. So go ahead, give yourself permission to be playful. Your well-being will thank you.
Here at Atlanta Wellness Collective, we want to help. For support, contact us or schedule an appointment online.
This blog post was written by Hannah Jordan.
This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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