She said: ‘Play varies for us all. I won’t be joining you for a game of bridge, no thanks, but you probably won’t want to sit with me playing Lego listening to showtunes. [You need to] experiment until you find what makes you feel free and joyful.’
Hart’s comments align with science. In a world obsessed by productivity and optimisation, psychologists agree that play is more important than ever.
Research suggests that play is not a frivolous luxury but a biological necessity. Playful activities can reduce stress hormones, boost mood and improve cognitive flexibility, helping adults think more creatively and adapt more easily to challenges.
The psychiatrist and play researcher Stuart Brown argues that play is as essential to human wellbeing as sleep and exercise, while neuroscientists have shown that playful experiences activate reward the pathways in the brain that are associated with learning, resilience and social connection.
There are myriad ways to reignite your playfulness – from gardening, colouring or learning a musical instrument to taking a dance class, picking up Padel or playing a boardgame.
The US academic, author and podcaster Brene Brown says: ‘Play can mean snorkelling, scrapbooking or solving crossword puzzles; it’s anything that makes us lose track of time and self-consciousness, creating the clearing where ideas are born.’
Remember: the goal is not to be good at these things; it is to experience the freedom and joy of doing them.
Play helps us feel happier, think better and connect more deeply with others – all compelling reasons to obey Hart and make room for it long after childhood ends.
Dig Deeper Into Play: Inspiring Resources
The Mel Robbins Podcast – Small Ways To Make Your Life Fun & Exciting Again
A practical, upbeat episode full of simple ideas for bringing more novelty, spontaneity and enjoyment back into everyday life.
Why We Play By Joanna Fortune
A thoughtful exploration of why play matters at every age, and how rediscovering it can improve wellbeing, relationships and resilience.
BBC Radio 2’s The Compass: Adulthood And The Importance Of Play
An engaging listen exploring why adults need play just as much as children, with insights from psychologists and behavioural experts.
The Idler
A celebration of slower living, curiosity and doing things simply for pleasure rather than productivity – a philosophy that puts play centre stage.
Amelia Wilson’s X Substack
A witty, thoughtful newsletter championing joyful hobbies, creative pursuits and the surprising power of making time for fun.
Office Hours By Arthur Brooks – The Science Behind Being Good At Leisure
A fascinating discussion on why learning to enjoy leisure is a skill in itself — and one that's closely linked to happiness and a flourishing life.
