When you think about playtime, it’s normal to think about kids having a great time with each other. As an adult, playtime isn’t typically something you think about or schedule into your life. But making play an intentional part of your life might be just what you need.
Giving yourself downtime, a chance to get creative, and have fun is excellent for your mental well-being. It’s a way to ensure you’ve got balance in your life. Rushing to work daily, stressing out all day, and then coming home to just laze around on the couch isn’t a balanced lifestyle. Rather than just talk the talk, we’ve got some tips that will help you walk the walk. Here’s how you can design a life with more playtime.
Start Prioritizing Your To-Do List
To fully embrace playtime, you must prioritize it within your ever-growing to-do list. Everyone has a list of things they want and need to do, whether at work or around the house. But there’s a good chance that if you take a closer look at the list, you’d realize a good portion of it isn’t urgent.
Improving your lifestyle requires you to prioritize your to-do list. Items can be grouped into a few different categories, such as “Must Be Completed,” “Should Be Done but Not Urgent,” and “Nice to Do When You Have Free Time.”
Another tip is to ask for help with or delegate your tasks, whether they are related to work, home, errands, or chores.
Learn When to Say No to Protect Your Free Time
In the same vein as prioritizing your to-do list is learning how to say no. If you’re the type of person who says yes to everything because you don’t want to disappoint people, it’s time for a life lesson. By saying yes to everyone else’s requests, you always put your own needs last. That can’t possibly lead to life improvement. Giving yourself permission to say no when appropriate will be nothing short of life-changing. In fact, it’s an essential step in mindful living.
Explore the Joys of Unstructured Hobbies
Hobbies are great for mental well-being. They can tap into your creativity, teach you new skills, allow you to connect with new people who share your passion, and help you combat stress. However, signing up for classes can sometimes feel too rigid. Having to be available a certain day and time of week isn’t always easy. This is why unstructured hobbies can make more sense.
Unstructured hobbies are fluid. You can engage in the hobby whenever the mood strikes. This will require you to have supplies on hand and at least a passing understanding of what’s involved. If you need to watch a short tutorial video or read a few instructions online, it’s not a big deal. There is no schedule commitment, which makes the hobby feel freeing and relaxing.
If you’re stuck for ideas, these are some great unstructured hobbies to try:
- Painting
- Scrapbooking
- Drawing
- Beading
- Gardening
- Birdwatching
- Knitting
- Coloring
- Calligraphy
Online Gaming Isn’t Just for Kids and It’s Not Just a Solo Hobby
Online gaming is a great way to unwind and have fun. You don’t have to be a kid to find games that are appealing and challenging. Perhaps you enjoy casual games, such as mobile games like Cut the Rope or online casino games that let you try your luck with free spins. Whichever you prefer, these games often feel familiar and don’t require learning a bunch of complex rules.
For more of a social gaming experience, video games are typically the way to go. Gaming platforms feature a huge library of single- and multiplayer titles. They could be the traditional shooter-style games or even something more creative that requires everyone to work together.
A few of the best video games to play online with others include:
- Minecraft
- Fortnite
- Final Fantasy
- Call of Duty
- Mario Kart
- Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Invest in Outdoor Games and Activities
A great way to improve your mood and give yourself an energy boost is to get outdoors. Why not combine your time outdoors with playtime? There are all kinds of fun outdoor games that you can purchase. It can be a fun casual game or something a bit more challenging that you turn into a competition with each other. No matter the type of game, it’s a great way for adults to play and share laughs together.
When shopping for outdoor games and activities, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check that the game or activity is specifically meant for outdoor use so that it will hold up to weather over time.
- Look for games with large pieces so you won’t lose them in the grass or garden.
- Ensure at least two players can play the game.
- Choose games that are easy to understand.
- Make sure you have enough outdoor space to set up the game properly.
Making Life Improvements Brings Long-Term Benefits
Improving mental health should be a priority for everyone, and designing a life with more playtime can certainly help you achieve your goal. It requires mindfulness, effort, and intention on your part. With consistent practice, it will soon become a habit that you’ll be reaping the rewards from.
