Playful Individuals: In the Face of Hardships, Do You Feel Overwhelmed, or Can You Adapt and Find Joy?
A new study suggests that individuals with a more playful approach are more successful in finding creative solutions to overcome difficulties.
Playful Individuals, However, experts believe that even if your immediate reaction to problems is not to “make lemonade when life gives you lemons,” becoming more playful and mastering the “art of making lemonade” is a skill that can be developed. By using techniques such as enjoying the journey, prioritizing happiness, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, and inviting others to join in playfulness, individuals can enhance their ability to cope with life’s challenges.
In February 2021, researchers surveyed 503 American adults about their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questions covered aspects such as social support, perceived risk of infection, optimism about the future, and emotional and behavioral responses. Participants were also asked to evaluate their level of playfulness based on factors such as spontaneity, their sense of restriction in daily life, and their motivation to seek fun.
Playful Individuals, Researchers then compared the experiences of the most playful individuals with those who had the lowest levels of playfulness to assess how they navigated the pandemic.
The findings revealed that more playful participants were more optimistic about the future and the return to normal life. At the same time, they were more realistic about the risks of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of protective measures. While both groups reported feelings of vulnerability and isolation, playful individuals engaged in more creative activities and were more active in coping with the situation.
Xiangyou (Sharon) Shen, one of the study’s authors and a social scientist at Oregon State University, told Yahoo Life that playfulness acts like a psychological toolbox, helping playful individuals direct their thoughts and actions toward creative solutions to better cope with difficulties.
How To Strengthen Playfulness?
Playful Individuals, If playfulness does not come naturally to you, don’t worry. Experts say these skills can be cultivated through practice.
Enjoy The Journey
Dr. David Spiegel, director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford University, emphasizes the importance of “enjoying the process.” He explains, “Be present in the moment so that the process itself becomes the reward.” He suggests engaging with those around you and finding joy in social interactions—not just focusing on their outcomes.
Playful Individuals, Shen adds that this means allowing yourself to enjoy the journey, both physically and metaphorically. For example, the next time you find yourself waiting in line or sitting in a doctor’s office, view it as an opportunity to read a good book or strike up a conversation with someone new. These spontaneous activities enhance creativity and coping skills, indirectly strengthening resilience for bigger challenges.
Prioritize Fun
Shen encourages small daily changes in mindset. She says:
“At the end of the day, instead of asking yourself, ‘How productive was I?’ ask, ‘What moments were fun for me today?’”
Playful Individuals, This shift in perspective redirects attention to more meaningful and joyful experiences.
Practice Thought Replacement
Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a clinical psychologist and author of “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety,” recommends replacing negative thoughts with more positive or constructive ones—a technique known as “thought replacement.”
She Explains:
Playful Individuals, “Many people develop a mindset that psychologists call ‘defensive pessimism’—deliberately focusing on potential negative outcomes to avoid disappointment. If you tend to think pessimistically, challenge those thoughts and try to identify at least one or two things in your surroundings that are beautiful, interesting, or comforting, and be grateful for them.”
Invite Others To Be Playful
Carmichael also suggests sharing your desire to be more playful with others—even if it feels a bit silly at first. She explains:
“When others know about your intention, they might feel more comfortable showing their own playful side around you.”
Social support for playfulness has two key benefits:
Having a companion often enhances playfulness.
Humor strengthens relationships and deepens social connections.
Playful Individuals, By incorporating playfulness into daily life, individuals can develop greater resilience, creativity, and emotional well-being, making them better equipped to handle life’s challenges with optimism and confidence.
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