Take time to play

[Guest guest]

Friday February 08, 2008Welcome to today's edition of Healthy Living

with Ellie Krieger.

Today's Small Change: Take time to play.

Power Play When you were a kid in school, there was usually a break in the

middle of the day for recess — time set aside specifically so you could play.

Consider how often you play today. Play can be considered any activity that you

find pleasurable or enjoyable. Play is crucial to our mental creativity, health,

and happiness — yet adults tend to forget about the importance of having fun.

Many of us try to multitask to make the most of our " free " time. You agree to

give yourself a few minutes to relax outside but then take your laptop along to

catch up on work. You're having lunch with a friend or playing some pickup

basketball when your cell phone rings to interrupt you. Think you're too busy

to have fun? Think again. Carving time out of your schedule for play might seem

self-indulgent, but its results make it worthwhile. In fact, research shows that

employees who play feel happier and more relaxed and are more productive at

work. Even a brief play break — a few

minutes spent doing something fun or relaxing — can serve as a " mini vacation "

that will add pleasure to your day while reducing stress. Play can be anything

that you enjoy — spending time pursuing a hobby, practicing a musical

instrument, going bowling or shooting pool, or teasing your cat with a new mouse

toy. The only requirement is that it's fun for you. Today, take at least five

minutes for a mini vacation or play break. Then, going forward, try to

incorporate these play breaks into your regular daily routine. Hopefully, you'll

find yourself reinvigorated as you get back in touch with your family, your

friends, your pet, or your favorite pastime.

[Guest guest]

Today's Small Change: Take time to play.

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, that was so fun to read! Thanks for sharing.

vicki

northern MN