It's Play Time For The Busy Mind

Do you have a big project and seem to be stuck? And you feel that working extra hard and putting in more hours will do the trick but it's leaving you feeling frustrated and irritable? I know the feeling all too well. I've been there and done that and realized that all work and no play made me lose my patience with those around me and feel more stressed throughout my day. I've good great news for you! Here's a way to turn your frown upside down. When you get that way declare that it's playtime. Yup, playtime! Try this fun mini-mental break.

Simply grab a toy or any fun object and play. Studies have shown that playing is a creativity booster.

According to psychiatrist, clinical researcher and the founder of the National Institute for Play, Dr. Stuart Brown, playing is anything but trivial. In fact, according to him it's is as important as the food that we eat and our sleep. Dr. Brown defines play as "any kind of purposeless, all-consuming, restorative activity and is the single most significant factor in determining our success and happiness." Interested in more about his research findings and more on the power of playing? Pick up his book called, Play, How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.

Are you interested in how to hack into your creative juices? Simply look around you and find something that can give you that mini-mental Zen moment. Don't have anything around? Think again! How about taking scrap pieces of paper and doing the old fashion "paper toss" game into the trashcan? Do you have a pen and paper? You got the makings of a great doodle art in front of you. Think back to when you were younger. Ask yourself what fun activities you liked to do. Did you like to draw? Did you like sports? Did you like to sing or dance? Did you like to exercise? What can you do in the context of your environment that can allow your bright ideas to shine while you play?

Here's some playful items so you can start collecting items for your "office toy box": crayons, colored markers, some construction papers, Playdoh, yo-yo, a slinky, pinwheel, beach ball, kaleidoscope, deck of cards, rubber bands, etc.. If you have room in your office try mini golf set, mini basket ball hoop, exercise ball, puzzle, etc... You are only limited by the size of your imagination - and your office space of course.

Need a team building exercise for your next meeting? Why not pull out your magical mental toy box and bring fun, communication, and creativity into everyone's day. You'll be happy you tried this "fun"-tastic tip.