How to Make Your Wellness Routine More Playful (And Why You Should)

Do you dread your wellness routine? Doing your workout. Prepping healthy meals. Getting out for a walk. I get it, it can feel like a lot. But what if I told you it could be more fun?

To get there, we have to remember that as children, playfulness was a natural, intuitive part of life. We weren’t consciously aware of all the beneficial reasons to move our bodies—we were simply having fun. 

As we transitioned into adulthood, we left many (if not all!) of those playful instincts behind. We swapped out the sheer enjoyment of running around with our friends for a more structured view of health and fitness—and somewhere along the way we forgot that staying active doesn’t have to feel like so much work. In fact, it can even be enjoyable! 

Plus (and this is a big one!), enjoyment is a main predictor in both creating and sticking with an exercise habit. This also rings true for other healthy behaviors—think about how our brains are wired: The more fun an experience is, the more we return to it. If you’re ready to embrace the playful side of wellness, keep reading!

Why Infuse Playfulness Into Your Wellness Routine?

When was the last time you took a breather from the hectic pace of your normal routine to do something that makes you smile? Carving out moments for playfulness will nurture a sense of curiosity, which also leads to feeling more mentally sharp, creative, and willing to learn. 

Here are a few more benefits of playfulness that we can’t overlook.

Greater Adaptability 

Another recent study found that those who infused playfulness into their lives during COVID-19 were more adaptable and resilient in the face of stressful circumstances. They were also less prone to anxiety and harmful coping behaviors. In other words, it’s possible to calm the nervous system with fun activities—how amazing is that?

Improved Consistency

When it comes to wellness habits (such as nutritious eating or consistent exercising), we often focus on the health benefits of making these lifestyle shifts. Of course, there are many reasons to fuel our bodies with movement and nourishment, but reframing our mindsets to look for pleasure, indulgence, enjoyment, and social connection in these habits will promote long-term adherence.  

Support Long-Term Mental Health

Playfulness becomes even more restorative as we grow older. A playful outlook can help reduce loneliness, manage chronic pain or illness, alleviate mental health concerns, and enhance your perceived well-being. 

Bottom line: it’s never too late—and you’re never too old—to prioritize fun.

3 Ideas to Make Your Wellness Routine Feel More Playful

Let’s explore how to turn play into a daily habit as part of your wellness routine. If it’s been a while since you carved out time for pure enjoyment, that’s okay! As with any shift in routine or habit, it takes time to train your brain. Give yourself grace as you try some of these ideas to make your wellness routine more fun and playful. 

• Try the activities you loved to do as a young child. Reflect on the pastimes that once captivated your imagination. What were you passionate about before career ambitions or household obligations took over? Whether that’s drawing, playing outside, building forts, or creating “make-believe” worlds, turn a few activities into adult activities. For example, if you love being outside, plan some nature adventures: explore a hiking trail in your area or even learn how to start your own garden.

• Set intentions for play and work them into your schedule. After you determine which activities resonate with you, consider what you hope to gain from playfulness. Do you need to relieve stress? Do you want to make life more vibrant and spontaneous? Create some intentions for this practice, then block out time in your calendar—just as you would for a family commitment or work function. Scheduling fun will remind you to prioritize it. You can even stack playful activities on top of other self-care habits in your routine. For instance, make a healthy meal while you dance in the kitchen.    

• Be wholly present and immerse yourself in the experience. One in four adults think scrolling on their phones is an actual hobby—and more than 40 percent spend most of their free time watching TV or social media content. To embrace the restorative benefits of leisure, unplug from screens and immerse yourself in the moment. Designate times or spaces as device-free zones to allow for uninterrupted, mindful play. This will make the whole experience more rejuvenating and enriching.

• BONUS: Make your workout more playful: While you can make any workout more playful with the right music and mindset—we have playful workouts built right into Lindywell! Start your 14-day free trial or log into your account and try Playful Pilates, Pilates with a Partner and Pilates with Kids series: Parallel Play + Partnered Up!

If you’re still working on prioritizing play and bringing it into your life, check out my book, Well to the Core. I have a whole chapter dedicated to play and and another on unplugging!

Rediscover Play With Lindywell

Play is a key ingredient in making your wellness routine more fun and consistent—plus it can support mental health, mental sharpness, and adaptability. That’s the definition of a win-win! 

If you’re ready for more play in your wellness routine, join our vibrant community here at Lindywell. We’re passionate about making health, fitness, and self-care something you look forward to—not a boring commitment. Start your 14-day free trial and unlock all the fun Pilates classes and breathwork sessions we have to offer!