Let Yourself Be Playful

If your too serious, you will neither be effective nor happy

We can let ourselves get very serious in all we do. This is especially true during a crisis or significant challenge. COVID-19 is undoubtedly causing more stress than ever for so many people. Why? Because it is severe and dangerous.

However, being serious all the time has so many detrimental effects on our lives.

We must find times to be playful.

Lesson to Learn

We can’t be serious all of the time. If we do so, we can quickly burn out. Our well-being depends on our ability to relax and to be playful.

When we smile or laugh, our brains release chemicals that relax us and relieve tension. We not only feel better — we are better.

Rest, relaxation and play are critical to all of us. This is especially true during crises. If we cannot find these moments, we will become ineffective in our actions and become diminished in our abilities to respond. We can more easily make mistakes and hurt others or ourselves.

Finding times to be playful is critical.

Answer for Me

While in the U.S. Army, we trained for combat for extended periods. This combat simulation was arduous and often physically challenging. Our leaders made sure we had times of rest. They also encouraged us to both laugh and play. It was an intentional strategy used to keep us healthy. It worked.

Laughter and play are great medicine for the body and soul.

I learned this approach in my own life and used it to help navigate personal and professional challenges. During COVID-19, I have especially been aware of how the crisis has taken a toll on so many. When I see this happening, I seek to remind others they must relax and even play.

Action

Make time in your day to be playful. Find times to relax, smile, and laugh. Encourage others to do so as well. Stress needs to be relieved, or it will build and hurt you and others.

Build stress relief through fun and laughter into your day.

Even brief periods can offer the needed relief we all must have to remain healthy in the months ahead.

Daily Habits

When will you laugh and smile today? Be intentional about time away from your worries.

If you are not, your day will become a struggle. Releasing stress is essential.

Each day must have moments of rest, relaxation, and play.

Everyone around you will benefit if you smile, laugh, and play more in your day. Be serious about including playfulness into each day. If you do, you will feel joy come back into your life.

To learn more about leadership visit me at www.macny.org.

To get a copy of my book Present-Future Leader goes to www.amazon.com.