Play and Mental Health

Did you know that play is one of the best tools for children to learn how to navigate stress?  According to the Baltimore fishbowl, play also helps kids with developing feelings of self-confidence, concentration, resilience, and developing healthy relationships with caregivers and peers. 

Let’s tap into our inner child and use play as a tool to support ourselves and our employees as we enter Mental Health Awareness month. Here are the top 5 ways we can help our employees experience play: 

1. Creative exploration: When brainstorming, inspire your team to think differently by giving them creative outlets as inspiration. As an example, start a virtual brainstorm by asking everyone to find something in their house that motivates them.  
   
2. Play music: According to Northshore community health system, music can boost the brain's production of dopamine. Increased dopamine production helps relieve feelings of anxiety and depression. Create a company-wide Spotify playlist. Or, if in the office, play music in common areas.
3. Encourage play outside of the workplace: At Zog, we set personal priorities each quarter in addition to our work priorities. As an example, one person may set a priority of completing a triathlon, one may prioritize painting every week, and someone else may prioritize reconnecting with old friends. Play looks different for each person! Support your employees to play outside of the workplace.
   
4. Plan an in-person event: Take time out of your workday for a dedicated event focused on play. We recommend an office hunt or a field day.
   
5. Host a virtual event: If your folks are working from home, offer them a virtual game or a cooking class where they can include their families. Play can help your entire family create connections and improve communication at home.  
   

Bonus: Check out this article for more information on the 8 play personalities.  

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