Play Isn’t Just for Kids: Why Adults Need Lighthearted Fun to Stay Emotionally Healthy

When we think of "play," we usually picture recess, cartoons, or juice boxes. But play isn’t just for kids—it’s actually a crucial part of emotional well-being for adults, too. And the science is clear: if you’ve stopped having fun, you’re missing out on a key piece of mental health.

In a culture obsessed with productivity and hustle, lightheartedness can feel... frivolous. But playful experiences—humor, games, goofiness—reduce stress, improve creativity, and make us more resilient.

Let’s unpack why grown-up play isn’t childish—it’s essential.

The Science of Play and Mental Health

Play activates the brain’s dopamine system, increasing pleasure and motivation while lowering cortisol—the hormone responsible for stress and anxiety.

According to psychiatrist Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, play is biologically essential to brain development and emotional regulation. His research shows that people who regularly engage in playful activities are more empathetic, flexible, and emotionally healthy.

Key benefits of adult play include:

Stress relief and reduced anxiety
Improved brain function and creativity
Strengthened relationships
Boosted resilience and emotional adaptability

In short, play keeps your mind sharp and your mood light.

Why We Stop Playing (And Why That’s a Problem)

Somewhere between middle school and mortgage payments, most of us stop playing. We get busy. We get self-conscious. We decide fun isn’t “productive.”

But that’s the trap. The absence of play doesn’t just make us boring—it makes us brittle.

A 2020 study in Leisure Sciences found that adults who engage in regular play experience higher life satisfaction and lower levels of depression. On the flip side, people who deprioritize play are more prone to burnout and rumination.

The problem isn’t growing up. It’s forgetting that fun matters.

What Play Looks Like for Adults (It’s Not Just Board Games)

Adult play isn’t about toys—it’s about mindset. Anything that feels joyful, creative, or just a little silly counts.

Examples of grown-up play:

Goofing around with friends
Playing a casual sport (no scorekeeping necessary)
Dancing in your kitchen
Wearing clothes that make you smile
Improvisation, art, or writing for fun
Laughing until your stomach hurts at a dumb inside joke

It’s about dropping your guard and letting yourself be a little ridiculous—without fear of judgment.

Play Strengthens Relationships, Too

Play doesn’t just benefit individuals—it builds social glue. Shared playfulness is linked to higher relationship satisfaction, stronger friendships, and deeper trust.

In one study published in American Journal of Play, couples who rated their relationships as happy also reported higher levels of playful interaction, like inside jokes, spontaneous adventures, and teasing (the affectionate kind).

Play creates shared memories, shared laughter, and shared vulnerability—all of which build emotional intimacy.