Why “play” is important
"Art is not a luxury for our downtime, but an important contributor to physical and mental well- being." -From the book, Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross
"To practice any art, no matter how well or badly, is a way to make your soul grow. So do it." -Kurt Vonnegut
I started a daily art practice during Covid out of a need for some sanity in that weird and wild time. I work as a nurse and healthcare was a terrifying place to find myself in, when the world was coming apart at the seams from an illness. I felt so much anxiety, so much fear, and loss of control, as did most people, I believe. But despite all the awfulness, it did bring me to art. I found sanctuary in the simple pleasure of color and the satisfaction of creating. It felt like going back to my childhood when I would sit down to create and I didn't have that nagging mental dialogue telling me it is a frivolous use of my time.
I have since researched the benefits of investing time in art and play and it seems that my intuitive move to pick up a paint brush is backed by the latest science. They are finding that "play" for adults is crucial for mental and physical well-being. It causes the body to release endorphins and reduces levels of cortisol. In less scientific terms, it adds moments of joy and reduces the stress chemical released by the body.
It is the current culture, in my opinion, to use exhaustion as a measuring tape of how well you are doing. How many times have I heard women, especially women, talking about how they don't have time for themselves because they are SO busy doing ALL of the things? These conversations often devolve into a bizarre sort of bragging match about who is the MOST exhausted due to the fact that they are doing the MOST. Reading between the lines it becomes, "I am the best because I never rest. I give everything I have to my job and my family". If you give everything you have to others than what is left over for you? On multiple occasions people have said to me, "I don't understand how you have time to paint" with a judgmental lilt in their tone. Again, reading between the lines, "I don't understand how you have the luxury of sitting around and playing with paint when there is so much to be done. You don't seem exhausted so your status as a wife and mother must be lacking." It's brutal out there to say the least.
The question becomes, "How does one then move past the obstacles of self-induced guilt and judgment of others to create the space for play?". For me, the first step was finding the courage to reject the expectations that I need to constantly be busy. What did I truly get from running around like a total psycho from one task to the next? There is something very liberating about shifting your mindset about "fun". When you stop viewing play as only something you have time for after completing your never-ending to-do list and start seeing it as a valuable and necessary part of a full and healthy life it changes you. AND here is the real kicker- I actually feel more productive, focused, and resilient because I let go of my need to be busy!
Here is my advice, schedule time for yourself. Make it a priority to carve out moments. Write it down like an appointment you can't forget to show up to. Make rest and play a non-negotiable part of your routine, to support your mental and physical health. I am all about art and art journaling on the daily but that doesn't have to be your thing. I only want you to find what is your thing and make time for it because you matter and you deserve this kindness. It's important for you to know that you don't have to push it to the brink of exhaustion in order to deserve self-care and you can take moments for you without viewing it as selfish. The hardest part is that I can't give you the permission to take the time, because I would, it has to come from you. Do yourself a solid. Be bold. Decide to play.
