The Playful Video
In this episode of Life after Kids with Drs. Brooke and Lynne, we’re discussing the importance of playfulness, creativity, and fun in midlife. As midlife women, it’s important to not take life and ourselves so seriously. We should make more time for things that bring laughter, light-heartedness, and enjoyment.
Adult play?! It's not what you think! We're actually talking about how to keep your heart light and your soul youthful with whimsy, creativity, and an attitude of playfulness.
"We have a tendency to take our life and ourselves too seriously. We're always rushing, there's always the next thing to do, and we're always worried about our kids. There's always something", says Dr. Brooke as this episode of Life after Kids, The Playful Video, begins. Dr. Lynne's response..."There's not a week that goes by that I don''t tell myself internally to take my head out of my a$%!"
Seriously, you can not make this stuff up. And, when you start talking unscripted with your bestie, these are the things that come up, at least they do with us, LOL! But, what exactly did Dr. Lynne mean by that comment?
She goes on to talk about how we get so zoned in on what we're doing and what we're achieving that it's necessary to step back and realize what we're doing isn't the center of the world. Life will go on if we don't check that box, or make that sale, or whatever it is for the day. Those things are important, but what is life if we don't take time to celebrate it, and we don't have a sense of playfulness in our day? It's so important in midlife to be playful and whimsical. It's important to do something just because you enjoy it. In fact, we would argue that having fun and being playful is just as important for thriving in midlife as the work we do. Unfortunately, it seldom gets enough focus and attention. To help you along the way, we've included some ways to bring more playfulness and whimsy into your life
Skiing and other outdoor activities with the kids like shooting hoops or jumping in the lake or pool for a swim later in the day
Dancing. Get some good tunes cranking and dance yourself silly, alone, or with your family. Sing while you're at it. Don't worry about sounding or looking ridiculous. The more ridiculous, the better.
Watch a good romantic comedy and get some belly laughs. We love all Melissa McCarthy movies!
Use decor in your house that makes you laugh or feel happy
Have a creative outlet like art, puzzles, embroidery, crocheting, knitting, or pottery
What did you love to do as a child? Do more of that- (think coloring books or jumping on a trampoline.) Be childlike and bring youthfulness back
Escape rooms and smash rooms
Play a practical joke on your kids.