Ezippy Co. Presents: The Recess Reset
Adults Need to Play More!
Play isn't just important for kids, grown-ups need it, too! Don't believe us? Thankfully, this is all backed by science.
Source: Psychology Today: Creating Space for Play as Grown-Ups and Why It Matters
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Accessibility text for spinning pinwheel video on this page: Seven panels, each with a different message: Fuel creativity, imagination, problem-solving; Relieve stress; Strengthen communication; Build relationships; Stay youthful & energized; Foster joy & happiness; Improve empathy & connection. Pinwheel colors are pink, white yellow, grey and black.
"Play affords us moments of relief from the seriousness and responsibilities of daily life. It brings us to the here and now, taking us out of our heads and into our bodies."
In a 2009 Study in the Creativity Research Journal (Vol. 20, No. 1), seventy-four city employees from Orange County, Calif., participated in creativity training seminars consisting of games and exercises developed by Robert Epstein, PhD. Eight months later, the employees had increased their rate of new idea generation by 55%—a feat that led to more than $600K in new revenue and a savings of about $3.5MM through innovative cost reductions.
Since flow at work not only improves performance but also increases individual job satisfaction and general well-being (Peifer and Wolters, 2021), it is of great societal interest to foster flow across work domains.
Still, less than one-third of people with mental illness get the treatment they need, and this comes at a cost — to people and to companies. Failure to acknowledge an employee’s mental health can hurt productivity, professional relationships, and the bottom line: $17-$44 billion is lost to depression each year, whereas $4 is returned to the economy for every $1 spent caring for people with mental health issues.
Essentially...
When your team takes time to play, they:
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​Begin to recognize and manage how their bodies are holding on to stress
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Release creative blockages and approach challenges with renewed energy
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Release endorphins to reduce cortisol levels
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Recognize, release, and reflect with priceless and productive time away from the screen.
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Approach communication and collaboration from a place of self-awareness
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Foster empathy, trust, and a sense of belonging amongst colleagues​
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Contributing to a healthier work environment!