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By now, we know that play is important for grownups like us. For starters, it’s good for creativity, stress relief, and staying connected.
We also know that for a lot of us, play feels like a distant shore in the fog of midlife. If that’s you, we’ve got you covered. Or, if you’re an avid play-er who’s just always up for a bit more fun, you’re in the right place, too!
Welcome to the Play List. 15 tiny, low-effort ideas designed to make your days at least 5% more playful (possibly more, but let’s manage expectations here).
Sometimes you just need a sprinkle of silliness to help break up the monotony, reset your mood, and make even some of the dullest moments a little more fun. And don’t worry, you don’t have to overhaul your schedule or spend a dime (though the googly eyes would 100% be worth it).
Ready? Set? Play!
1.
Rename your Wi-Fi something ridiculous
Make the neighbours smile — or wonder.
2.
Start a “Random or ridiculous fact” text chain
Remember “cat facts”? Find a buddy who’s down for some nonsense. You could share gems like: “Octopuses have three hearts,” “A group of flamingos is called a flamboyance,” “Bananas are technically berries” or “Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5 per cent.”
3.
Designate a theme song for the day
Choose a track that sets (or resets) your mood, and play it throughout the day as your motivational soundtrack. You can level this one up by creating a playlist of songs to choose from on those days you need it most!
Need help? Here are a few GenX playlists to get you started:
Spotify
Ultimate GenX Playlist - 70s, 80s, 90s
Apple music
80s, 90s, 00s Hits | Top 300 Songs
Pure Throwback - Apple Music Pop
4.
Name your houseplants or appliances
Your fiddle-leaf fig is now Linda. Your blender is Roger. Refer to them in conversation. Invite them to meetings.
5.
Building on 4, add googly eyes to your household appliances
Or your fruits and vegetables… any inanimate objects really…
6.
Leave random compliments for strangers
Put sticky notes in the mailroom or on a lamppost in the neighbourhood: “You’re doing great. Keep going!” “You look amazing today.” “You look like you know where the good snacks are.” Think Troy Hawke. Spread chaotic kindness.
7.
Make up fake awards and give them to yourself or others
Today you win Most Persistent Sock Sorter. Tomorrow? Maybe first place in Getting Out of Bed When You Didn’t Want To.
8.
Use fancy voices for mundane tasks
Narrate your commute like a nature documentary.
9.
Set your email auto-reply to something whimsical
“I’m currently away on official dragon-slaying business. I’ll return once the realm is safe.”
10.
Keep one drawer in your house just for nonsense
Temporary tattoos. Stickers. A mini disco ball. Candies. A kazoo. To some, a junk drawer. To you, an emergency fun kit.
11.
Do a tasting
Buy 4-5 varieties of something you like (pop, wine, beer, chips, apples, chocolate - you name it), and do a tasting on your own or with friends.
12.
Go on a “best quest” in your neighbourhood or city
Check out a handful of spots to find the best tacos, deep fried pickles, ice cream, burger, etc. This one’s great solo, but really shines with friends!
13.
Go oldschool
Go to a playground nearby and swing on a swing, or try out the monkey bars.
14.
Have a picnic in your backyard or on your patio
Your picnic, your rules.
15.
Gamify the grunt work
Try doing a 7-minute clean up at the end of the day. Put on some fun music and everyone in the household (even if it’s just you) cleans for 7 minutes straight - you’d be amazed how much can get done when you’re grooving.
