Rediscover the joy of play: 7 ways creative expression enriches adult life

Creative play is not just for children. We embrace the concept of play in our kids' development. In fact, we encourage it, whether it’s active role play, new sensory experiences or good old-fashioned messy play.  We inherently believe that play enhances our children’s development and well-being. 

But somehow, we’ve forgotten to include the power of play in our adult lives. Yes, as adults, we may be fully developed in some ways. But does this mean that as grown-ups, there are no more opportunities for growth and that the challenges and desires we face are just problems to solve or goals to achieve? Problems and goals that offer no possibility of further enrichment?

Well, when you put it like that!

I believe creative play is equally important for big kids. Nurturing play and curiosity can better support our holistic health, well-being, and personal growth. 

Here are 7  examples of  how the forgotten power of creative play can support you in your everyday life:

1. Stress Relief and Mindfulness: Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or crafting can provide a meditative escape from the stresses of daily life. By immersing ourselves in creative projects, we are able to let go of mental chatter and calm our minds as we focus our attention on the project at hand. Through this act of letting go and mindfully working creatively, we can more easily process our current mood and emotions. 

Often this helps to reduce stress and anxiety whilst at the same time provides subconscious insights into our problems and stressors, that we can’t see when we are actively trying to think our way out of our problems.

2. Problem-solving and Innovation: Just as in childhood, creative play encourages adults to think outside the box and approach challenges with innovative solutions. Often it is only through trial and error that we are able to navigate completing a new challenge. 

Whether it's challenging yourself to complete an unfamiliar task at work,  draw something for the first time, paint something in your head onto the canvas, participate in community improvisational theatre, or write 1000 words on a topic that’s important to you. I guarantee that you will do a better job at all of these tasks and be more satisfied with the process and result, if you let go a little and embrace play and exploration as part of the journey. 

3. Self-Expression and Reflection: Creative play offers a means of self-expression and reflection. Persistence in creative or artistic pursuits can help you explore emotions, beliefs, memories, and experiences through play and exploration. 

The conscious and subconscious choices we make through the creative process offer unique and tangible insights into our inner worlds. This results in greater self-awareness, connection, and personal growth. The freedom found in true creative expression allows us to connect with the deepest parts of ourselves. 

4. Social Connection and Collaboration: Participating in group creative activities fosters a sense of community and belonging amongst willing participants. Whether it's joining a book club, a community art workshop, or a theatre group, creative play provides opportunities for social connection, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.

We have become so accustomed to social interactions that involve chatting mindlessly while consuming vast quantities of alcohol. I wonder what would happen to our society if we gathered in creative collectives with nothing but our sober minds to stimulate our friendships and pursuits!

5. Continuous Learning and Exploration: Creative play encourages a mindset of lifelong learning and exploration. Whether it's learning a new instrument, experimenting with cooking recipes, or exploring a new hobby. Adults are just as capable as children at expanding their horizons, stepping out of their comfort zone and cultivating curiosity and passion for learning. 

Accepting that play and exploration are aligned with maintaining a growth mindset as we enter into a lifelong learning contract with ourselves. Focussing our attention on pursuing activities that feed our curiosity and keep us hungry to keep playing and learning as our skills and abilities naturally grow and improve from our sheer resilience and staying power.

6. Career Development and Innovation: Creativity is increasingly recognised as a valuable asset in the workplace. By understanding the benefits of creative play and exploration, we can apply this same thinking to our work projects and contributions. This is strengthened by engaging in creative play outside of work, which can provide you with the evidence required to use play to enhance your problem-solving abilities, spark innovative ideas, and foster a more creative approach to professional challenges. Ultimately, this mindset contributes to greater career satisfaction, growth, and success.

7. Personal Fulfillment and Well-being: Most of all, creative play brings joy, fulfilment, and a sense of accomplishment to adults. Whether it's through creating art, writing poetry, or participating in community arts and crafts projects, adults can tap into creative play to nourish their souls and enrich their lives.

Creative play is not just child's play—it's a powerful tool for adults to enhance their well-being, foster creativity and innovation, and cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced life. By embracing creative play in adulthood, you can tap into your imagination, explore new possibilities, and unleash your full potential.

Take care, Sam x

P.S. Do you believe in the power of play? Let me know. DM me on Instagram @samhortonstudio or email me at [email protected] 

Sam Horton is a professional artist, passionate about the links between art, creativity and well-being.

Learn more about Holistic art practices for well-being

Sam's Art Studio and Studio Shop are based in Australia on the Sunshine Coast.

Receive weekly updates and insights, direct from Sam, on connecting the art and creativity in your life with a greater sense of well-being via her weekly email newsletter