A few weeks ago, when I was in a funk, Mother Nature gifted us a snowstorm! I was elated! I grabbed my daughter and our sleds and trudged over to the hill behind our house. A few slippery runs and some riotous laughter were just what I needed to clear the cobwebs and free up some stuck energy.

When is the last time you played?

If it's been a while, why? Is there an old story you're telling yourself about why you can't make pleasure and play priorities?

Don't beat yourself up if it's been a hot second since you cut a rug, spent some time being goofy, or logged off work early to do something fun.

Just know this: all work and no play can snuff out your life force and contribute to higher stress levels, anxiety, and depression.

When I can't discern a solution to a problem, have writer's block, or just feel grumpy, my #1 remedy is play! Switching off my intellectual brain and reconnecting to my senses through leisure helps me over the hurdle. Some of my best ideas and insights have been clearly illuminated when I stop forcing and let life flow!

Here are a few ideas to help you reengage with your playful self:

• If play is a foreign concept or something you haven't explored in a long time, start small. Aim for one small dose of pleasure each day. It might be reading for fun while sipping a mug of tea. Maybe an impromptu dance party to some fun jams will uplift you!
• Get outside into nature for a sensual stroll. One of the biggest causes of disconnection to self and others right now is the amount of time humans spend indoors. What if you took a walk beneath the trees and noted 5 things you see, 4 things you hear, 3 things you feel, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste?
• Visit a local playground. Pump your legs on a swing. Climb the ladder on the slide and whiz down. Scramble up the jungle gym. (I did this recently and had a blast!)
• Play a board game or cards with family or friends. The laughs that ensue with some games is extra medicine for the heart!
• Flying solo? Sketch with colored pencils. Build with Legos. Watch a crafty how-to video and bring some pizazz into your day through art.
• Invite a playful attitude into your activities. Mindset matters so if you're always striving for the end-perfect result, you'll miss some fun along the way. Ask yourself, "Can I let this be messy? Can I bring a childlike curiosity to this issue or experiment?"

The ripple effects of play can be great. Imagine how your life might feel if each day you carved out time to release the grind with a few lighthearted moments! How might your work flow? Your friendships? Your parenting? Your romantic and sexual partnerships?

What's your favorite playful pastime? Send me a note or a photo of you having fun!

Helping people embrace play and sensual pleasure as remedies to their unique pain is just one of my superpowers! If you're ready to reconnect to your playful side, but feel stuck about what that might look like, let's chat!

xo,

Jennifer (she/her)

My full yoga class and appointment schedule is LIVE on my website! Book your self-nurture sessions anytime.