As an energy healer and embodiment practitioner, so many of my clients come to me because they’re exhausted. But it’s not just burnout or over-scheduling or kids that wear them down. It’s the long-term struggle to overcome a mental or emotional block that feels like it has no solution.

These clients often feel like they’re ready to be done with something in their life but aren’t sure what to do next. Oftentimes this makes them feel inadequate or like they’re the only ones not living happy, fulfilling, purpose-driven lives—even if they’ve been working toward that goal for years.

Sure, there are a ton of factors that can make someone feel this way, but one of the first things I ask these clients is, “When was the last time you played?” More often than not, they respond with, “What does that even mean?”

Play is doing something fun for no reason other than enjoying it. So, yes, it is kind of pointless, but the benefits of integrating it into your life on a regular basis are endless. 

For starters, the excitement we feel in our bodies when we play triggers the release of hormones that promote happiness and reduce stress. It also opens our minds to new possibilities, encourages curiosity, and just makes us feel alive. 

And those internal changes can majorly impact the external stuff that’s important to us too. For example, when you’re feeling happier and lighter, you don’t expect your partner to make you feel better because you already feel good—the relationship just follows. 

Play can also positively impact your career. When you’re in a heavy, stressed-out place, producing good work is actually harder to do. By incorporating more play into your work or your life in general, the stakes are lowered, and getting the job done feels more realistic or even fun. 

Ultimately, playing on a regular basis makes your brain more attuned to what feels good, aka what you want more of in life. And that can help you work toward creating an existence that’s aligned with you.