Finding Joy Again: 3 Gentle Practices for Reclaiming Play and Peace

When was the last time you played—not performed, not produced, but simply played?

For many adults, especially those raised in high-stress or survival-focused environments, play isn’t just forgotten—it was never truly part of our upbringing. If you grew up in a home where financial strain or generational pressure shaped every choice, you may have learned early on that play was a luxury, not a necessity. In many BIPOC and first-generation households, survival often came first—and joy got left behind.

But here’s the truth: play isn’t childish—it’s healing. And you still deserve it.

Reframing Healing: Why Play Still Matters as an Adult

We often think of healing as hard emotional labor—processing trauma, setting boundaries, unlearning old patterns. While all of that is necessary, healing doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes, healing looks like laughter, movement, creativity, and ease. Sometimes, healing sounds like music in the kitchen or feels like walking barefoot in the grass.

At its core, play is anything that brings you joy, connection, and a sense of freedom. Research shows that engaging in meaningful, joyful activities reduces stress, boosts resilience, and supports overall mental health (Magnuson, 2013).

So if you’ve felt disconnected from yourself—or like life has become a long to-do list—it may be time to gently reintroduce play.

3 Gentle Practices for Reclaiming Play and Peace

You don’t need a playground to find your way back to joy. Here are three accessible ways to reawaken your playful spirit:

1. Move for Pleasure, Not Just Progress

Whether it’s dancing in your living room, taking a walk, joining a rec league, or trying a new yoga class, movement can be playful, freeing, and healing. Research by Klaperski et al. (2019) found that movement in supportive, calming environments can significantly reduce stress and elevate mood.

2. Create Without Expectation

Art-making in any form—painting, writing, crafting, singing—is a form of play that lets your inner child breathe. You don’t need to be an “artist” to benefit. Studies show that creativity supports both emotional and physical well-being (Karkou et al., 2022) and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Play Through Connection

Spending time with people who bring you laughter, comfort, and ease is one of the most powerful ways to restore joy. Whether it’s game night with friends, storytelling with elders, or simply sharing space with someone who “gets” you—play through connection heals what hustle culture neglects.

According to Jedrziewski et al. (2014), regular social connection improves mood, strengthens cognitive function, and supports longevity.

Play Is Not Frivolous—It’s Foundational

Reclaiming play doesn’t mean ignoring pain—it means expanding what healing can look like. Joy builds resilience. Laughter opens space for breath. Rest and creativity remind us that we are more than what we do.

The Importance of Play in Adult Life

In our fast-paced world, adults often overlook the importance of play. We get caught up in responsibilities, work, and daily routines. However, play is essential for maintaining mental health and emotional balance. It allows us to reconnect with our inner selves and find joy in the simplest of activities.

Engaging in playful activities can lead to increased creativity and problem-solving skills. When we allow ourselves to play, we open our minds to new possibilities. This can be particularly beneficial in both personal and professional settings.

Support for Your Joyful Healing Journey

At Wellness Tree Counseling, we believe healing should include pleasure, play, and peace—not just pain work. For many BIPOC individuals, reconnecting with joy is part of the emotional reparenting process. It may not come naturally—but you don’t have to navigate that journey alone. Give these 3 gentle practices for reclaiming play and peace a try!

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You deserve a life that includes laughter, color, movement, and rest. Let’s help you rediscover it.