In a recent post on Instagram, I shared a handful of playful statistics to challenge the status of a few misconceptions we hold regarding adult play. One of these statistics cited the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics who reported that in 2019, men spent an average of 5.5 hours per day in leisure activities, with women averaging approximately 4.9.
One of my followers made the appropriate point of distinguishing that the statistics of leisure did not equate to the average time invested in play. While the point of the statistic was not meant to be a stand in for play; the discussion highlighted two prevalent misconceptions of adult play: 1) that we don’t have time for play and 2) that leisure is play.
First impressions would lead many to believe that leisure and play are synonymous. In his article, Leisure Study and the Study of Play: Differences and Similarities, Professor Robert A. Stebbins, acknowledges the unique position and qualities they both share. For instance: both are amoral, are generally related to the use of free time, and fight the public perception of being exclusively expressed through frivolity. Nevertheless, there are many elements which set these two occupations apart, which if not understood, can dramatically reduce the potential for collaboration between the two towards well being.
What is Leisure?
Stebbins defines leisure as an “un-coerced, contextually framed activity engaged in during free time, which people want to do and, using their abilities and resources, actually do in either a satisfying or fulfilling way.” Leisure is simple. It is doing something that is not required of us when we are not engaged in the obligations or responsibilities of life and encompasses of full spectrum of motivation and outcomes. At times it can be enriching, nourishing or fun. Other times it can provide relief, escape or distraction.
What is Play?
Though more illusive than leisure, there are a handful of working definitions of play. According to Edward Norbeck, play is “voluntary, somehow pleasurable, distinct temporally from other behavior, and distinct in having a make-believe or transcendental quality.” This last part sets a clear split from general leisure and acknowledges the creative and imaginative nature of play. Furthermore, play is complicated by the fact that it is not limited to free time. It can appear at work, it can have rules, and it can even be productive.
However, the distinct difference between leisure and play appears to be in the manifestations of each. Stebbins claims that while leisure is expressed physically, play is experienced mentally. An artist may pick up their brush to pass the time but it is the curiosity of mixing colors, the conceptual arrangement of strokes and the liberty of creative expression that they engage in play.
Journaling for Play
One way to enhance our relationship with play is to become more mindful of the way in which we spend our leisure. In a comparison of practices, play and mindfulness often go hand in hand with both requiring presence of mind, focus and evoke a transcendental sensation. Journaling, as a common tool in meditation, has proven to be effective in promoting such qualities as gratitude and self awareness. When focused on play, journaling can arouse free time awareness, support accountability, animate intention and foster gratitude for the playful moments we enjoy daily.
DIY Play Journal
Supplies: 5×7 personal notebook, pen for writing, coloring pens for decorating (optional)
Step One: Design your book using whatever mediums would draw out the playful nature inside of you.
Step Two: Divide your booklet into the sections you want to include. For playfulness, I recommend including the following four sections:
Mindfulness Leisure Practice (2 pages) – Before you begin making entries on your daily play, take a week to practice mindful leisure by recording each leisure activity you engage in daily, the emotions they induce, and the time you spent on each. When the week is up, reflect on each activity and note whether it meets the criteria for play or not. Wrap up by answering the following questions:
- How does my choice of leisure contribute to my well being?
- How does my choice of leisure diminish my well being?
- How can I adjust my leisure to make space for play?
It is important to note here that not all leisure needs to be play. Nevertheless, I am more than confident that during this practice of mindful meditation you will find more than a few minutes are available to spare from television or other media that you could donate to play. Once this section is done, move on to the actual play journal.
Play Journal Entries (14 pages/week) – This is where you enter your daily play. Start with a playful intention in the morning focusing on what you will do rather than what you are trying to avoid (I will slow down vs. I won’t rush). Next jot down a couple ways you plan to play that day. Later that evening return to your journal and briefly summarize a couple of your playful moments followed by how you felt as you played. Finish it off with a short reflection on what you learned about play that day.
Playful Prompts (unlimited) – Gather a collection of playful questions to respond to later on. Examples could include, “I’ve always wondered why…” or “When I am excited I…”. These are great for quick reflections or for when you would like to write a little more. You could also fill these pages with humorous quotes, jokes, or doodle prompts. Anything to get the playfulness flowing!
Playlist for Moods (unlimited) – Just like a music playlist, creating a play-list based on your mood is a great resource for when your are needing a little playful boost. Just jot down the mood at the top of the page and then bullet 3-5 go to play ideas beneath. Fill up the page with different moods and forms of play, then reference it for when you are a little dry on ideas. Moods I like to include are: calm, curious, creative, silly, energized, and social. This can take up one page or many!
Step Three: Dive in to your new playful journal!
Variations
Like all play, journaling can be enjoyed alone or with others. A couple variations of the individual play journal include a couples journal or parent-child journal where partners can rotate who has the journal every day or fill in entries together, discussing their shared play experiences. Another variation of the original play journal could include selecting a specific type of play for your journal such as nature play.
Not up for building one yourself? Download my free play journal printable and get started now!
Tips for Successful Journaling
If we see the goal of journaling is to write as much as we can then it can be a daunting project to begin and an overwhelming commitment to maintain. So, here are a couple of tips to help ensure that our practice nurtures meaning and purpose in our playful pursuits.
- Set a time + timer. Adults tend to live or die by the clock. While this isn’t the best way to promote a playful attitude, if you can’t beat it, the next best trick is to use it. In addition to scheduling your journaling, setting a timer for just a few minutes will help you to draw attention to the most important points you want to share. Also, it will keep you from burnout.
- Focus in. Effective writing has a theme; a ‘what’ behind it. Open journals can be a catch all for anything but for those with a specific focus – such as our play – it narrows our thoughts and intentions. This makes showing up for it that much easier.
- Keep it simple. Contrary to popular opinion and the elaborate journals you may find, journaling doesn’t have to be long, intricate, or deep. Even just jotting down a couple sentences a day will trigger the benefits of reflection.
- Switch it up. There are many ways to be more playful with journaling. Don’t like the idea of writing an essay or even full sentences? Try doodling or scrapbooking. Tape inspiration from a magazine. Or stick a quote from your favorite book. Try writing with your nondominant hand or using paint instead of pen.
Conclusion
Leisure and play may not be the same but if we are to enhance one, we would be wise to appreciate the benefits, properties and role of the other in our daily life.
References
Stebbins, R.A. (2013). Leisure Study and the Study of Play: Differences and Similarities. https://www.seriousleisure.net/uploads/8/3/3/8/8338986/reflections34.pdf
theplanesofplay.com 