The Power of Play: Discover Your Play Preference
Take my Play Preference Quiz for fresh ideas to bring more play into your life.
I ❤️ play. It’s not only a key element of Lil’ Habit coaching, it’s a core feature of my life. Play is the best way for me to learn and grow. Play is how I activate my imagination, get unstuck, and take immediate action. Play is my preferred way to connect with the people most important to me–on our annual Girls Weekend-palooza, you’ll find me and my besties around a table catching up and cracking up while laying dominos in a nonstop game of Mexican Train.
What were you doing the last time you got lost in play?
If you’re a grown-up who dismisses play as frivolous and believes it's something you’ve outgrown, hear me out. Research shows that play is vital to our well-being at every age. It can reduce stress, boost creativity, and strengthen our relationships.
One way to unlock the benefits of play is to understand your play preference. Just as we have different learning styles and love languages, we also have different play preferences. By identifying yours, you get to be more intentional about including the kind of play you most enjoy in your daily life.
While research by Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, suggests there are eight different types of play personalities—the joker, the kinesthete, the explorer, the competitor, the director, the collector, the artist/creator, and the storyteller—at Lil’ Habit, I like things simple. That's why I've distilled the eight archetypes into three core play preferences: physical, creative, and social. By focusing on these three categories, you can quickly identify and embrace your dominant play style (when you’re ready to go deeper, I’ve included a link to Dr Brown’s eight types in “More Resources” below).
Physical Play
Moving Your Body, Engaging Your Senses
Physical play involves any playful pursuit that gets your body moving. This could be structured activities like sports and games, or more open-ended movement like dance or hiking.
The benefits of physical play are well known. It helps to develop gross motor skills, coordination, and overall fitness (my Health Coach reminded me that at my AARP age, improving strength and balance helps prevent injuries so that I can stay independent for many years to come). Physical play can also boost mood, reduce stress, and promote better sleep. When you engage in physical play with others, you foster cooperation, sportsmanship, and social bonds.
Creative Play
Sparking Your Imagination, Expressing Your Vision
Creative play involves any playful pursuit that allows you to explore your inner world and bring your unique vision to life. This could be through artistic expression like painting or writing, or building something with your hands.
Creative play helps to develop problem-solving skills, divergent thinking, and self-awareness. It provides a healthy outlet for emotions and promotes a sense of accomplishment. When you engage in creative play with others, you foster collaboration, communication, and mutual respect.
Social Play
Connecting with Others, Sharing Joy
Social play involves any playful pursuit that allows you to connect with others through common interests, challenges, or experiences. This could be activities like board games and team projects, or just general gatherings.
Social play helps to develop empathy, communication skills, and a sense of belonging. It boosts mood, reduces loneliness, and promotes resilience. When you engage in social play, you foster trust, support, and a sense of being part of something larger than yourself.
QUIZ: DISCOVERING YOUR PLAY PREFERENCE
To identify your primary play preference, reflect on what activities bring you the most joy and fulfillment. What did you love to do as a child? What do you naturally gravitate towards when you have free time?
You may find that you enjoy aspects of all three types of play, or that your preferences shift depending on your mood and energy levels. The important thing is to give yourself full permission to pursue the play that calls to you.
Take my "What's Your Play Preference?" Quiz for personalized play suggestions. And remember, play is not a luxury—it's a necessity. By making space for more play in your life, you're not only prioritizing your joy, you're also nurturing your physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
Do yourself a favor and go play!
Remember, any time you start something new, even if it’s as fun as engaging in more play, you must step outside your comfort zone and greet your Resistance.
WATCH: Brains at Play | NPR ED
If this exploration intrigues you, help make it stick by discussing it with a friend.
MORE RESOURCES
Do You Play Enough? Science Says It's Critical to Your Health and Well-Being
Scientists Sprinkle 'Playful Learning' Stations in Cities Around the World
Disclaimer: My Substack posts are my personal reflections and should not be taken as clinical guidance or treatment. Consult qualified experts regarding your specific health needs.