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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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Play and work seem at first like they are at odds. Play is what distracts you from working. Right?

Actually… it’s a little more complicated. It turns out that play can be a productivity tool! 

Incorporating play into your routines is a powerful way to get more done and feel less stressed. 

I’ve been intentionally adding play into my day and it’s true. The benefits are unexpected and bring me so much joy!

And science backs it up. According to research, play is essential for our physical and cognitive health.

Here’s how you can use play to be more productive:

1) Use play to rest.

I’m a huge fan of rest — that’s why my mantra is “rest is the new hustle.” Without rest, it’s so easy to get burned out.

I learned this lesson the hard way years ago, when my appendix burst and I waited too long to go to the hospital. I had to spend weeks in recovery because I didn’t listen when my body told me I needed to dial things back. Ever since then, I‘ve been shouting from the rooftops that rest is essential for working towards your goals.

But it’s less clear what “rest” actually looks like. You might not feel like laying down and taking a physical break — but you still need to rest. And that’s where play comes in. 

Playing to rest looks different for everyone – it might be taking care of a little virtual bird on the Finch app, trying out a new recipe, or doing a crossword puzzle. What matters is that it’s creative, energizing, and yes — FUN!

2) Use play to get re-inspired.

Feeling stuck is one of the biggest productivity pitfalls. Whether you’re not sure of the next step on a big project or you have writer’s block, uncertainty and a lack of creativity can make your goals feel impossible to accomplish. 

And inspiration isn’t just something you can buckle down and force into being. That’s why it’s so essential to get out of your own head, lighten up, and change your perspective.

I love using play to get the creative juices flowing. Play can help you feel inspired and ready to dive back in with renewed energy.

Here’s some ideas:

One of my favorite ways to play is pulling tarot cards. I love it so much that I wrote a whole blog about it. And the idea really resonated with people. I was thrilled to see comments on LinkedIn from people who are keen to try using tarot to boost their creative inspiration.

You might consider painting, dancing, or even doing a puzzle. All of these can help you see things from a new perspective, break out of your regular habits, and feel connected to your creative energy!

My friend Karen Bussen hosts free online creativity meet-ups called Le Salon. I’ve been and really enjoyed them! If this sounds like something you’d enjoy, check out Le Salon here. 

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3) Use play to motivate yourself.

I’ve started rewarding myself with a few minutes of play each time I finish a task. And sometimes dangling that carrot is all you need to power through!

If you find yourself getting distracted, it can be helpful to use play as a motivator. For example, I commit to finishing a task and then I’ll play Connections in the New York Times Games app. I’ve also gotten into building my own town in the Township app. 

If you feel stuck on what kinds of play activities are right for you, you can check out the Play Personalities quiz based on Dr. Stuart Brown’s research. Dr. Brown speaks regularly about the benefits of play for adults and using his personality quiz can help you discover the best kinds of play for you.

Here’s to fun!

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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