How to Have more Fun? Go Play! Adult Play Isn’t Silly—It’s a Health Strategy (with Toni Christopher + Sarah McMahon) In this episode, I’m on a mission:To help you have an aha about adult play—and stop treating it like it’s frivolous, childish, or a waste of time. Because play isn’t extra.Play is necessary. To help us get there, I brought in the forces (yes, the forces!): Toni Christopher — Executive Director of the National Institute for Play, a nonprofit advocating for society’s understanding and application of play. Toni shares research, play science, and why play matters far more than we’ve been taught. Sarah McMahon — Actress, improv educator, relationship coach (Playful Partnerships), and creator of the Playdate Deck, a card deck designed to help adults bring play into relationships in real-life ways. The opposite of play isn’t work… it’s depression. Yep. Toni drops that truth—and backs it with what research says happens when adults stop playing: increased stress impact less flexibility (emotionally and mentally) more rigidity more pessimism more risk of depression And the beautiful news?Play is retrainable. If you’ve lost it—you can get it back. Play lives in older brain systems (with emotion) As we age, our cortex (“the general”) gets wired with rules, responsibility, and filters We start filtering out play with “not now” thinking: time, money, mess, fear, what people think Plus—many adults didn’t grow up with much free play, which makes it harder to access naturally later. 👫 What Play Changes in Relationships Sarah shares what she sees in couples: play is intimate. And when it disappears, connection fades. Fear of rejection (initiating play feels vulnerable) Digital distractions Mismatched timing Mental load + stress Different “cultures of play” (you and your partner may have learned play differently) Sarah teaches improv skills that strengthen relationships.🎴 The Playdate Deck Game We Played Game 1: That’s Awesome (Appetizer) Say something true (small or big).Everyone responds: “That’s awesome!” + fist bump. Why it works: It builds trust, acceptance, and relational safety—and creates a playful container. Give your partner a playful “award,” accept it, then say:“I couldn’t have done it without you…”…and continue with playful praise (or let it get heartfelt if it naturally does). Create a shared “remember when” story—about something you never actually did.Each person adds a detail (“yes, and…”). Why it works: You’re building a positive memory on purpose—and your brain starts wiring play + connection together. *** If this episode sparked something in you — or reminded you of someone who could use more fun, joy, and aliveness — send it to them today. Join the Global Fun Movement on my email list and get monthly tools, stories, and psychology-backed ways to spark joy and live lively: www.minddoodles.ca 🎵 Music by Allstar musicians Per Hoffman and David Hilton Clark 👉 Follow and subscribe to this podcast for more weekly guests and stories to help you crack the code to health, wellness, and FUN. Treena Innes, Your Life Fun Expert www.minddoodles.ca treena@minddoodles.ca *** Thank you to our special guests: National Institute for Play website www.nifplay.org Subscribe to our newsletter or, more generally, follow the institute https://nifplay.org/subscribe/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/playinstitute/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-national-institute-for-play/ https://www.saradelighted.com/playfulpartners The Playdate Deck https://www.saradelighted.com/the-playdate-deck Anyone local to Seattle, here is the link for upcoming couple's workshop https://www.eventbrite.com/e/improv-date-night-registration-1608081267359?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
