3 Reasons Why Playing Isn't Child's Play
What if I told you that playing is not a waste of time, but actually essential for your well-being and creativity?
Playing is often associated with children, but adults also benefit from the playful energy they can ignite. And this summer is the perfect time to rediscover what playing can do for you.
Plato once said: “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” It’s no secret that play has the power to strengthen connections, both between people and between different parts of ourselves. But why should we embrace it as adults?
Here are three reasons why you should definitely make time and space to play this summer.
1) Play to rest and take care of yourself
Playing provides relaxation and offers space to unwind. Imagine a frog in a pan of water. If you throw him directly into boiling water, he will jump out very quickly. But if you heat the water slowly, he will stay put—until it is too late. Sounds illogical? Yet it works the same way in our daily lives and in organizations.
We get used to small changes and often postpone things. Before we know it, we are stuck in a system that no longer works. This is exactly where the power of play comes in. Playing helps you to step out of the routine for a while and create space for reflection and relaxation. It offers the chance to let go of the hustle and bustle of the day, reset your brain and regain balance.
We wrote a e-book about self-care, in which we show how you can really relax by being physically active and playing. Playing helps you find the right balance between action and relaxation.
Mossel tip:
Get out with your kids this summer. Take a walk in the neighborhood you know, or don't know yet. Think of a new game to play every 200 meters. Collect a leaf, make a word chain or story, play forest golf with pine cones,.. And.. leave that cell phone at home 😉
We dream of a world where play is not an exception, but an essential part of how people collaborate and grow.
Gert-Jan
Professional play bird
2) Play to be creative
Play is a powerful engine for creativity. When we allow ourselves to experiment without the pressure of a perfect result, we open the door to new ideas and innovations. Play helps us to think outside the box, make new connections and find surprising solutions.
A good example of this comes from a workshop at Xinnix, where employees redefined their mission and vision through playful working methods. By letting go of the usual thought structures and embracing a creative approach, fresh ideas and insights emerged that helped the organization move forward. Combining experience and reflection can lead to a deeper and more sustainable understanding of the course an organization wants to take.
Mossel tip:
Do something completely different. If you can't draw, sign up for a drawing workshop. Throw paint, sculpt, play..
You'll see what it does to you 😉
3. Play for motivation and fun
Playing not only makes work more fun, it also increases motivation. When people are having fun, they are more willing to put in the effort and try new things. This became clear during a team building session at Barrie Finance, where we did a laughter yoga session with Dominieke. It was hilarious and gave us a huge energy boost, while also bringing the team closer together. In the afternoon we discovered Brussels in a surprising way through playful activities, which gave the team's creativity an extra boost.
Playing can greatly improve the atmosphere in a team. It helps people laugh together, relax and feel more connected, which ultimately results in more effective collaboration.
Mossel tip:
Did you know that a child laughs an average of 300 times a day? How many times do you laugh a day? Count them and try to beat your score 😉
What are you going to do to play this summer?
So, what can you do to play more this summer? Experiment with new things, try something you’ve never tried before. Listen to your own body: when do you feel like playing, and what could you do to embrace that energy? Steal ideas from others, chat with colleagues or friends about what they do to keep moving. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things you haven’t considered before. And who knows, maybe even try a mussel tactic, with playful and bonding experiences!
Be sure to let us know how it went – we’d love to hear about your adventures! 🌿
July 9, 2025
June 20, 2025
