Building Your 2022 Playlist
February 2, 2022
In 2020, when I was developing my women’s group coaching program with my co-facilitator, Carol, she asked me if we could add the topic of “play” to our curriculum.
Since I’m always open to Carol’s ideas (and her general brilliance), I said “yes,” but felt a little confused at the time. I thought to myself: Isn’t playing something kids do?
Carol explained that play is proven to benefit adults, and is an important part of living a happy life. She felt it could be a valuable tool for our program participants during the pandemic. Turns out, it was.
As I started researching the concept of play for adults, I discovered some fascinating research. I learned that play can release endorphins, improve brain functionality, stimulate creativity, and improve memory (Source: Wanderlust). By contrast, when we are deprived of play (similar to sleep), we may experience emotions such as feeling stuck, moody, or unfulfilled.
Play can even benefit our work performance and happiness by speeding up learning, enhancing productivity, and improving communication (Source: Washington Post). There’s a reason why companies with strong cultures and employee retention prioritize workshops, retreats, creative office designs, happy hours, and fun swag and games in conference rooms.
So - if we know play is good for us, why don’t we make the time for it?
This stems from a few reasons, but I believe the main root of our play deprivation is an inability to pause during the week and come out of our shells.
In a culture that often celebrates productivity and achievement over slowing down to unplug and build authentic connection with others, we’re less likely to pause and press play. In addition, when we’re in a state of play, it sometimes involves being creative, goofy, and setting our phones down - i.e. stepping outside of our normal operating mode.
For some, this process may feel intimidating, vulnerable, or uncomfortable. You may even consider play silly and unnecessary, or something that is too difficult to make time for.
Regardless of your past experiences or beliefs surrounding play, this year you are invited to give yourself the gift of play.
For the record, play should not be something we do every now and then, or treated like a vacation - it should be incorporated into our everyday lives in order to reap its full benefits.
To navigate potential obstacles, I recommend putting a weekly “play block” on your calendar (it could be just 10 minutes) . You can also set a simple daily reminder on your phone, asking you if you made time for play.
If you’re a parent, I encourage you to explore what play could look like for you when you’re with and without your kids. You can’t be expected to enjoy all the activities your kids love to do, and you deserve a break to begin with.
If you’re a list-making enthusiast like me, you can even design your own “playlist” - a go-to list of fun ideas you can look forward to.
Here are my 10 playlist ideas for 2022:
Host a game night with your friends
Buy an adult coloring book and some high quality colored pencils
Jump on a mini trampoline for 5 minutes per day (here’s a brand I recommend)
Create your own “Mood Boost Playlist” - a group of go-to upbeat songs that are guaranteed to make you smile (or dance)
Design a scavenger hunt for your family or friends
Go to a bar dressed in full-blown 80’s attire with a group of friends when it’s not an 80’s night (I’ve done this more times than I’d like to admit)
Schedule a monthly Disney movie night
Start an impromptu dance party
Sing loudly in your car
When all else fails, remember to push it good
This week, take a minute to stop, pause, and play. Your friends, family, work, and authentic self will thank you for it.
