10 reasons why you need to start playing like a 5 year old!!

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.”  ― Charles Schaefer

In this post I explore the next Improv rule on my list “The Power of Play”.

“How we play is related, in myriad ways, to our core sense of self. Play is an exercise in self-definition; it reveals what we choose to do, not what we have to do. We not only play because we are. We play the way we are. And the ways we could be. Play is our free connection to pure possibility.” – as quoted by Hara Estroff-Marano in Psychology Today.

Someone once told me that the best improvisers in the world are 5 year old children.  It’s so true.  Just watch them.  Listen to them.  They have no fear.  They are not worried about what others think.  They are not worried about being embarrassed. They say what they feel and feel what they say.  They have one goal and one goal only … they want to PLAY!

One of my favorite shows used to be “Kids Say the Darndest Things” hosted by Bill Cosby which was a CBS special back in the late 1990’s that eventually turned into a regular series.  I know … a major nead alert coming up here … but I admit it … I loved that show!  And what made it so great was not the just comedic timing or talent of the great Bill Cosby, it was the kids.  They were the stars.   All Cosby did is sit back and let them do what they do. Be real.  Be themselves.  Play.

If you haven’t seen it the show … here is a clip … trust me … give it a minute … it’s hysterical:

[youtube]http://youtu.be/JoBxFfz4Dko[/youtube]

So I think you get it … Kids are pro’s at playing.  But what about you?  I know what your thinking … your an adult … you can’t play … plus, you don’t have time for play!  Well, guess what, yes you do!  Find the time.  NOW.  Life is too short.  PLAY!

I’ve put together a Top 10 list of reasons why it’s important to play as much as you can:

1. It will reduce stress and help you live a longer life
2. It builds confidence
3. It connects you to others
4. It fosters creativity, flexibility and learning
5. It fights off loneliness, depression and anxiety
6. It teaches us perseverance
7. It makes us happy
8. It will improve your social skills
9. It helps you learn to better cooperate with others
10. It triggers innovation