The Opposite of Play is Not Work

"The opposite of play is not work - the opposite of play is depression."

Says Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, in the middle of his book Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.

This deeply resonated with me because when I found myself at one of the lowest points in my life, play rescued me. I started doing improv right after a pretty bad break up, and it fundamentally changed how I saw the world and how I participated in it. 

Stuart defines play as doing something only because it brings you joy and - on the surface - has no other purpose. But guess what? Play is purposeful.

He highlights scientific research that shows how play helps the brain grow, thereby making us smarter and more adaptable. Play is not only an action but also an attitude.

How to find your spirit of play? As kids we instinctively played, we jumped in that dirty puddle, ran toward that puppy, climbed that tree and jumped. As adults with responsibilities, jobs, and bills, it takes a little longer to "jump". 

One easy trick is to start with physical movement - to get out of your head and into your body. This is why I always begin my workshops with nonverbal movement exercises. In the midst of the silliness you'll find yourself thinking less and feeling more. 

With a free and present mind you will be more open to make new connections with the people and environment around you, develop new insights, create new solutions to problems, and respond honestly to whatever happens.

This is what I experienced in my 2 hour intro to improv class 6 years ago, and this is why I still improvise today (and hopefully until the day I die). With a regular practice of play I'm able to choose happiness more often and to navigate hard times more easily.

My story is far from unique. Many of my improviser and actor friends have said that theater and improv helped them find their purpose again when they were down and depressed. 

Improvisation is only one form of play. Play manifests itself in various ways and means different things to different people so...

Go. Find your play. Be happy. 

Play in my next workshop! June 14 & June 18 in NYC. More info here.