Sober Synthesis

 “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” George Bernard Shaw

What is Play and Why is it Powerful?

• Play is an essential activity for animals and humans. 
• Playful rats have been shown to have significantly elevated levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is recognized to have a central role in developing and maintaining neural plasticity.
• During a play mindset, we release endogenous opioids from our brainstem that allow our prefrontal cortex (executive functioning) to be more flexible (more plastic). 
• A play mindset  allows us to experiment with new contingencies/roles (exploration that feels safe). 
  • Role play is a very effective way to practice a new behavior or communication.
• Play is our most powerful portal for neuroplasticity.
• The key element of a play mindset is to have low stakes in the outcome. This decreases release of adrenaline supporting creativity (process) rather than competition (outcome). 
• We all develop a personal play identity and that identity can be modified to improve work, relationships, and overall happiness.
• People who play more have an enhanced sense of trust, greater self regulation, greater conflict resolution, and are more physically active. 

How Can We Harness the Power of Play?

• Play is most powerful when it is novel (something that you are not very good at).
• Include any low stakes role play into your weekly routine.
  • Tinkering, playing any game with low outcome expectations, improv dancing or singing, playing an instrument, music mixing, art, playful sports, playing with children or animals, non-violent video games.
• If it is something you already are good at, try to incorporate new ways of doing it.

The Importance of Play for Adults: Tips for Being More Playful (psychcentral.com)

Possible questions for sharing:

1. Are play activities included in your health and wellness/recovery plan? If not, do you have ideas how to include play in your plan? 

Disclaimer

This summary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed.