Whether it’s roller skating, playing team sports, collecting stamps or playing a musical instrument, going back to your childhood hobbies is a great way to boost your mood and ability to face difficulties. According to a study released in the journal Frontiers in Psychology, adults who are highly playful are also more positive about the future and more resilient in the face of challenges.1
“A sense of playfulness is vital to experiencing more happiness and overcoming adversity in life,” said SSM Health neuropsychologist Diana Van De Kreeke, PhD. “Playfulness exposes us to positive experiences, which can be protective against negative feelings, like depression. It impacts our brain chemistry by making the happy chemicals more readily available, like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. This can not only boost our mood, but create a more positive outlook overall.”
What are the benefits of playfulness?
Taking an emotional break by being playful can:
- Relieve stress
- Prevent depression
- Help you reset and tackle problems with fresh eyes
- Aid creativity
- Strengthen bonds with loved ones
- Enhance a sense of well-being
How to incorporate playfulness
To make a conscious effort to be more playful, consider:
- Embracing curiosity
- Engaging in activities that spark joy and laughter
- Trying new things
- Incorporating enjoyable elements into your daily routine like dancing, dad jokes, or spontaneous activities with friends and family
Van De Kreeke says many adults forget how to be lighthearted but, with a little effort, we can remember.
“Think about the things you enjoyed as a child. Maybe some of those hobbies would be good things to revisit today,” Van De Kreeke suggested. “The goal is to find activities that create fun moments.”
1. How does playfulness (re)frame the world? Evidence for selective cognitive and behavioral redirecting in times of adversity. Frontiers in Pyschology, 15. (2025). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1462980
