Unleash Your Inner Child: The Power of Play in Adult Life

We’ve all heard the saying, “adults should act like adults.” But what if that’s where we’re going wrong? In a world dominated by deadlines, responsibilities, and the relentless pursuit of productivity, the simple act of play is often overlooked. Yet, it’s precisely this seemingly frivolous activity that holds the key to unlocking our creativity, reducing stress, and fostering deeper connections.

Play: The Forgotten Superpower

It’s easy to dismiss play as childish, but the truth is, it’s a fundamental human need. From the moment we’re born, we explore the world through play, learning valuable lessons about problem-solving, cooperation, and imagination. As adults, these skills are just as crucial, if not more so.

den building

Igniting Creativity Through Play

Have you ever noticed how children effortlessly transform ordinary objects into extraordinary creations? They don’t overthink; they simply experiment and explore. This innate creativity is something we all possess, but it can become buried beneath the weight of adult life.

Activities like den building, a cornerstone of our Outdoor Woodland Learning (OWL) sessions, offer a perfect antidote. By constructing a cozy hideaway from simple materials, we tap into our primal instincts and rediscover the joy of creation. It’s not just about building a shelter; it’s about problem-solving, collaborating, and unleashing our inner architect. And let’s not forget the laughter – a powerful ingredient in the creativity cocktail.

Beyond the Den: The Benefits of Play

The benefits of play extend far beyond sparking creativity. Engaging in playful activities with family and friends strengthens bonds, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being. It’s a chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature, ourselves, and each other. At Fryston Country Trails and Frickley Country Park, which we manage on behalf of the Land Trust, our OWL sessions involve activities such as tree identification and butterfly surveys. These activities help participants view their ‘ordinary’ local landscapes in new, more informed ways. As a result, families have begun creating playful nature diaries – collections of notes, leaves, and sketches that help identify and collate their curiosity and knowledge about the natural world around them.

Fryston, Family
pond dipping

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or stuck in a creative rut, remember the power of play. Whether it’s building a den, playing a board game, or simply dancing like nobody’s watching, embrace the opportunity to let loose and have fun. Your inner child will thank you.

Footnotes

The OWL (Outdoor Woodland and Learning) program was a component of the broader “Climate Action in Country Parks” initiative. Funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield Council, and distributed through NOVA, the third-sector framework for the Wakefield district, the project comprised four key strands:

  1. Outdoor Adventures: Guided walking and cycling tours were offered in Fryston and Frickley Country Parks, led by Groundwork’s qualified experts.
  2. Nature-Based Learning: Free holiday programs for local children featured activities like pond dipping, bug hunts, and tree spirit exploration, fostering a connection with the natural world.
  3. Path Restoration: A dilapidated woodland path in Fryston Country Park was to be reinstated to improve accessibility and enhance the park’s offerings.
  4. Habitat Creation: The “Four B’s” project involved commissioning the Morley Shed to build bird, bee, bat, and bug hotels, which would then be installed by Park Rangers to increase biodiversity.