All Health's Breaking Loose:Just Push Play

We glared at the clock, we were perched and ready to spring from our desks. Waiting for those last few exhilarating seconds to tick away before the recess bell rang. As soon as it did, we bolted for our spot on the playground. We already knew what we were going to do: dodge ball, four square, the monkey bars. And if our first choice filled up too soon, no problem, on to the next. It was the best part of the day. I don't understand why looking forward to playtime has changed so much.

Now that we're grown ups, we tend to make play time complicated. We think it has to involve big extravagant travel plans, new clothes, and expensive show tickets. It doesn't. Remember how easily we LET GO of schoolwork and responsibilities, just to get out to recess? The more complicated our lives get, the harder it is to let it all go and play. Recreation feeds your soul. Just as muscles need to rest after a hard work out, your psyche and brain need a rest after extended concentration. We expect so much from our brains that overworking has become the normal state of being. Remember, rest and rejuvenation are part of the cycle of life. Play follows work like spring follows winter. All work and no play make Jack a very dull boy. The young at heart live longer, fuller lives. Here are a few ideas to help insure you do not become that dull boy or girl:

Go acoustic — UNPLUG, turn off the Blackberry, the cell phone, and TV (at our house we like to call it "the box of truth") to allow yourself a few moments of simple, uninterrupted time. You cannot feel free to engage in fun or creative play if you are constantly distracted and ready to "take that call."

Try something new — The minute you open your mind to trying a new game or kind of food or type of music, you are using a part of your brain that would otherwise be dormant. As we age we close off sections of the brain by simply not using them. Trying new things not only will keep you young at heart but physically young minded. It helps to prevent Alzheimer's.

Prioritize play — Set aside time for fun. Even if it's only for a few minutes a day. You schedule work appointment; play time is just as important to your soul as work is to your integrity-so, put it on the calendar. Once it's there, it has status and you've set aside time for it.

Think happy — Bring to mind happy thoughts of childhood play time, not just once, but often. Suddenly you'll get the urge to play and you'll remember how it's done.