Think Kit prompt #12: You know the story about all work and no play... How did you play with others this year? Let your hair down and share how you escaped for an hour, a day, or more.
As a kid, I thought adulthood sounded boring and stressful. Especially when it came to paying bills. As one who struggled through long division and subtraction in elementary school, the idea of dealing with money and also remembering to pay on time each month sounded like a speed drill 100 questions long. I’m sweating just thinking about it.
Just to alleviate everyone’s fears, I’m doing just fine with paying my bills. I even am the roommate who adds and then splits the amounts each month. What I hate now as an adult is the fact that I have to put money towards life essentials like running water and electricity when I’d rather be using it for, well, play.
Thankfully, the terror of a boring and stressful adulthood has also never come to pass because I still play (in fiscally responsible ways, of course). In fact, I think the stress level of the general population could really benefit from making more time for play in our daily routines. All in favor of recess during the workday say “aye,” ESPECIALLY if you’re reading this at work.
Here's a recap of some of my favorite ways to play:
1. Trampoline time. I’ve vowed that I’ll still jump long after my knees and hips have been replaced.
2. Just Dance. Nothing better than dancing and winning at the same time.
3. Epic game sessions. The kitchen counter is often Santi and I’s battlefield for intense games of Jenga, Connect 4, Pylos and pick-up sticks. The screaming and dancing when one of us wins is the defining difference between us and 70-year-old couples.
3. Epic game sessions. The kitchen counter is often Santi and I’s battlefield for intense games of Jenga, Connect 4, Pylos and pick-up sticks. The screaming and dancing when one of us wins is the defining difference between us and 70-year-old couples.
4. Coloring. Yes, I’ve jumped on the bandwagon. Yes I've enjoyed every minute of leisurely dragging a colored pencil across an "adult" coloring page.
5. Frisbee. Lots of it. In the backyard, on the beach, in the ocean.
6. Pranking.
7. Pretending.
5. Frisbee. Lots of it. In the backyard, on the beach, in the ocean.
6. Pranking.
7. Pretending.
8. Every visit to Mass Ave Toys.
9. Archery! That was a new one in 2015.
9. Archery! That was a new one in 2015.
10. Running around the neighborhood on not-so-secret missions.
11. Bike rides.
12. Card games on the lake.
13. Mini golf tournaments.
14. Pickup soccer games. In the house.
15. Lots of exploration.
11. Bike rides.
12. Card games on the lake.
13. Mini golf tournaments.
14. Pickup soccer games. In the house.
15. Lots of exploration.
