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Quick bits of therapeutic info and learning, ideas, concepts, and quotes.
Brought to you by Better Wellness Naturally
3: Keys
2: Concepts
1: Quick Article
“Play is the work of the child, but the adult who plays is the one who can truly heal and create.” – Stuart Brown
3 Keys:
Play Unlocks Your Creativity: Play is more than just fun—it’s a powerful tool for sparking creativity. As adults, we often get stuck in the grind of daily life, and creativity can feel like something we’ve lost touch with. But the truth is, when we engage in playful activities—whether it’s a hobby, a game, or just some spontaneous fun—we open up space in our minds for fresh ideas. Play encourages us to think outside the box and approach problems with a new perspective.
Play Is Your Secret Stress-Buster: Let’s be real—adulthood comes with its fair share of stress. But here’s a little secret—play is one of the best ways to beat it. When you allow yourself to play, even for just a few minutes, it’s like pressing the reset button on your mind. Play can lower anxiety, improve sleep, and help you feel more relaxed. Plus, it’s not just good for your mental health—it’s great for your body too, helping to lower blood pressure and keep your immune system strong.
Play Builds Stronger Connections: In our busy lives, we often forget the value of simply having fun with others. Play allows us to connect on a deeper level. When you engage in playful activities with friends, family, or even new people, you create moments of joy that strengthen your relationships. Play helps break down barriers, boost communication, and build trust.
A Couple of Concepts
Your Brain Loves It: The benefits of play aren’t just anecdotal—there’s real science behind it! When we engage in playful activities, our brains release dopamine, a feel-good chemical that boosts our mood and helps us stay motivated. Play also activates parts of the brain responsible for problem-solving and creativity. It’s like giving your brain a workout that keeps it sharp and adaptable. The more you play, the healthier your brain stays, helping you maintain mental clarity and flexibility as you grow older. So, yes, your brain needs play just as much as your body needs exercise!
How Play Helps You Avoid Burnout: It’s easy to get caught in the trap of constant work, but here’s the thing: if you don’t take time to rest and play, you’re more likely to burn out. Play is the antidote to burnout—it helps you recharge and come back to your responsibilities feeling refreshed. When you make space for play, you lower your stress levels, boost your mood, and even increase productivity. It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks to play actually makes you more efficient and focused.
A Quick Overview: Personal Transformation
As adults, we often forget how important play is. We get so wrapped up in our day-to-day responsibilities—work, family, finances—that we forget how to have fun.
Play really is essential to our well-being. Here’s why it matters:
Boosts Brain Chemistry: Play activates the brain’s reward system, increasing dopamine and reducing stress hormones like cortisol.
Enhances Neuroplasticity: Engaging in play strengthens neural pathways, improving learning, problem-solving, and adaptability.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety: Play lowers cortisol levels, promoting relaxation and emotional resilience.
Strengthens Social Bonds: Laughter and shared experiences during play enhance connection and trust.
Improves Cognitive Flexibility: Play stimulates the prefrontal cortex, thus sharpening creativity and decision-making skills.
Supports Emotional Regulation: Play helps process emotions and helps to reduce overwhelm and improve overall well-being.
Promotes Joy & Healing: Engaging in playful activities reinforces the brain’s ability to recover from stress and thrive.
The great thing about play is that it doesn’t have to look a certain way—it’s all about finding what brings you joy. It could be anything from sports to art to just being exuberant with your loved ones. The key is to make time for it in your busy schedule.
So, the next time you’re feeling stressed or stuck in a rut, remember: a little bit of play can make all the difference.
Speaking of balance and joy, if you're looking for an experience that blends deep healing with creative play, we invite you to join us at the Storms of Change Healing Retreat in Imiloa, Costa Rica, from July 12-17, 2025. This retreat is all about your healing journey—deeply transformative workshops, restorative practices, and yes, even moments of play are woven into the program because we believe that true healing comes not only from introspection but also from embracing joy and creativity along the way. If you’re looking for a holistic healing experience that combines growth with joy—and play— we’d love to have you join us.
References:
Panksepp, J., & Biven, L. (2012). The Power of Play: How Playfulness Shapes Our Brain and Helps Us Heal. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Neimark, J. (2018). The Healing Power of Play: How Play Can Help You Heal and Transform Your Life. MindBodyGreen.
Brown, S. (2010). The Playful Brain: The Surprising Science of How Playing Makes Us Smarter. Springer Science & Business Media.
Hughes, C. (2003). The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally. The Ounce of Prevention Fund.
Better Wellness Retreats. (n.d.). Storms of Change Healing Retreat. Retrieved from https://www.betterwellnessretreats.com
We’re Going on Retreat in July!
Limited Spaces Available - We’d Love to Have You Join Us!
In light of what so many of us have endured here in Florida, the Storms of Change Retreat offers a sanctuary to reconnect with inner resilience and rediscover a deeper sense of safety and strength.
Designed for those ready to transform upheaval into growth, this immersive six-day in-retreat experience—to be held at the incredible Imiloa Institute—blends healing practices, expert guidance, and Costa Rica’s natural beauty to inspire meaningful transformation and renew your sense of hope.
Imiloa Institute, a private 5-star wellness and yoga retreat center, offers a safe, supportive, intimate, and thoughtfully designed space to encourage healing, reflection, connection, and lasting renewal.
For more info and to Retreat with us: www.BetterWellnessRetreats.com
by Laura Weber Garrison, PhD
New Editorial Review!:
"Damaged Rudders" is an essential guide for anyone seeking to navigate the challenging journey of trauma recovery. Laura Weber Garrison, PhD, masterfully combines her personal experiences with practical, evidence-based strategies, offering readers a transformative approach to healing. Through creativity, restorative yoga, artistic expression, and spiritual insights, Dr. Garrison provides a comprehensive, science-supported toolkit for building resilience and self-discovery.
This book is not just another self-help manual; it’s a deeply inspiring invitation to reclaim your life and rediscover your inner strength. Each page resonates with Dr. Garrison’s dedication to encouraging creative resilience and promoting lasting change. "Damaged Rudders" helps readers reconnect with their true selves and embrace a life filled with purpose and joy.
For anyone ready to embark on a journey of deep healing and transformation, "Damaged Rudders" is an indispensable read.”
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