Despite the scientific evidence of play's benefits for all ages, we still tend to think of play as something reserved primarily for children. Yet, play is just as important for adults as it is for kids.

It's funny how, despite our societal obsession with happiness, we often overlook play's role in achieving it.

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Play sparks our energy and liveliness. It eases our burdens, renews our natural sense of optimism, and opens us up to new possibilities. But there’s more to it 👇

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Across fields like neuroscience, developmental biology, and psychology, experts have uncovered a fundamental truth: play is actually deeply embedded in our biology. Our lifelong brain plasticity is primed by playfulness, and it has evolved over eons in many animal species to promote survival. It shapes the brain and makes animals more intelligent and adaptable.

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And of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all. We are built to play and built through play. It enables us to tap into our humanity and express our individuality most authentically.

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Defining play is actually quite difficult. We can't nail it down using logic, biology, or aesthetics, and it's different from other ways we think about our minds and social lives (Johan Huizinga, Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture). So, instead of trying to define it precisely, let's focus on talking about what play feels like and what makes it so valuable.

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When we engage in play, our brains light up with dopamine, the feel-good chemical that boosts our focus, learning, and memory. Plus, play triggers the release of endorphins, those little mood-lifters that leave us feeling happy and energized.

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Experiencing what play is all about and making it part of our daily lives is probably the most important factor in being a fulfilled human being.

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The importance of play goes beyond just having fun — it's essential for your mental and physical wellbeing, maintaining friendships and romantic relationships, nurturing your creativity, and coming up with innovative solutions. And if you think that's an exaggeration, just imagine a world without play. 😥

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It's not just about missing out on games or sports. Life without play means no books, movies, art, music, jokes, or captivating stories. No flirting, spontaneous adventures, daydreaming, comedy, or irony. That all sounds like a pretty dull existence, right?

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In a broad sense, play is what lifts people out of the mundane. You can basically compare play to oxygen — it’s all around us, yet goes mostly unnoticed or unappreciated until it is missing.

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As kids, we play without a second thought. But as we grow up, society tells us to put away childish things. But here's the deal: we've got to understand the difference between acting childish and being childlike. Being playful as a grown-up isn't about acting childish. It's about embracing that childlike wonder by breaking free from the daily grind, seeking out new experiences, rolling with the punches, taking a few risks, and finding the joy in life's little moments. So why not hold onto that playful spirit as we get older? There are plenty of reasons why we should!

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Luckily, there are many simple ways to add more playfulness into your daily life, and pretty much any moment in life can be made playful. It doesn’t need to be time-consuming or extremely costly, especially as we think of playfulness as a state of mind rather than an individual activity.

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The Foundation is all about understanding the role of play, of creative expression, and using it to reconnect with and express our own core truths. We're collectively and individually tapping into this amazing force that's been part of us for millions of years, thanks to evolution.

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The program emphasizes action over overthinking, rediscovering when you naturally thrive while also trying out many new things, and creating space for more joy and depth in your life, whether it's at work or elsewhere.

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Although it's recommended to complete the challenges within one month to stay in the playful flow, you can go through the program at your own speed. There's no pressure, and everything's customizable. Plus, you'll gain access to the online community where you can talk to others and get support.

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I'm looking forward to welcoming you into the community,

Stefanie