{"id":858,"date":"2014-03-25T00:49:32","date_gmt":"2014-03-25T00:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/?p=858"},"modified":"2014-03-25T00:50:49","modified_gmt":"2014-03-25T00:50:49","slug":"10-ways-to-just-play","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2014\/03\/10-ways-to-just-play.html","title":{"rendered":"10 Ways to Just Play"},"content":{"rendered":"

“The great man is he who does not lose his child’s-heart.” – Mencius, Book IV<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Remember when you were a child and played \u2013 just played. Time didn\u2019t matter and the world\u2019s problems seemed so far away. Even though the world is different now, you can still play, just play and feel alive again<\/a>. Here are 10 ways\u2026<\/p>\n

1.\tRide the rides, swing on the swings<\/strong> – Get back to the source of the action–a playground! Next time you\u2019re at a playground with your kids, take advantage of your chance to play. Climb the ladders, dash across the monkey bars, swing as high as you can on the swing. You will enjoy it just as much as you did when you were 6 years old.<\/p>\n

2.\tDon\u2019t think about it<\/strong> – Before you let your mind take over with thoughts of how silly you think you\u2019ll look, take the plunge. Don\u2019t even think about it. Race your kid down the street, roll down the hill, jump on the trampoline. Let your inner child take over and just play. You never used to think about what you looked like doing it.<\/p>\n

3.\tWater park<\/strong> – They\u2019re for kids and adults, too. Swimming and slides can be adventurous and exciting, no matter your age. In fact, you may find yourself doing more bold things now that you\u2019re older. The biggest slide there may not intimidate you the same way it used to.<\/p>\n

4.\tLaser tag<\/strong> – The competition, the hunt, the fun–it never stops. Get back to one of the funnest games around and take a group of friends out to play laser tag. Use it as part of a birthday celebration or just some weekend fun. It\u2019s good, clean fun, and you\u2019ll have a fantastic time.<\/p>\n

5.\tSports<\/strong> – Whether you were the sporty kind growing up or not, you can enjoy a friendly, non-competitive game with friends or family. Tossing a ball back and forth, playing touch football, shooting some hoops–all fun activities that will bring out your competitive nature and allow you to just have fun.<\/p>\n

6.\tBoard games<\/strong> – These can actually be as challenging as they are fun. Games like Risk or Settlers of Catan are great for adults because it involves complex strategy and decision-making. There\u2019s always good-natured humor involved, too. Find a couple hours one evening to enjoy a board game with your significant other, or a few friends.<\/p>\n

7.\tBe spontaneous<\/strong> – You may not be able to whip out a nerf gun and start a war, but you can let go of having such a rigid schedule. Yes, you still have to meet deadlines, but take a look at your schedule and see what you can do, even when you\u2019re on a time crunch. Leave some spaces open, like during a lunch break or right after you get off work, where you don\u2019t plan what\u2019s next. You just see what you\u2019re in the mood for in the moment.<\/p>\n

8.\tDance<\/strong> – It\u2019s not everyone\u2019s forte, but that\u2019s part of the fun. Letting go of your inhibitions and just giving it your best shot. Try it the next time you\u2019re near a dance floor and the music starts up. Confidence is the key! Commit to it and you\u2019ll be having a blast.<\/p>\n

9.\tMaking chores fun<\/strong> – Race your spouse as you two try to each get a chore finished. You clean the bathroom and do laundry while he does the dishes and takes out the trash. Household chores are something that none of us look forward to, but you can make them fun and feel like you\u2019re just playing again. It\u2019s a strategy we use with kids, but why not use it on ourselves to make adult life more fun?<\/p>\n

10.\tTake advantage<\/strong> – When you see opportunities, seize them. Don\u2019t write something off because you don\u2019t think you can do it or don\u2019t have time. What about the costume party your friend is going to? What about the talent competition your workplace is having? There are opportunities as an adult, you just have to be willing and ready.<\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h1>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer<\/a>. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Simple Paths to an Amazing Life<\/a> | Free eBook: How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“The great man is he who does not lose his child’s-heart.” – Mencius, Book IV Remember when you were a child and played \u2013 just played. Time didn\u2019t matter and the world\u2019s problems seemed so far away. Even though the world is different now, you can still play, just play and feel alive again. 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