BY: LILLIAN THUM
Staff Writer
“A cool autumn breeze kisses her cheeks, as the apricot, crimson, and golden leaves dance to the gentle song. A soft melody of animals scurrying around preparing for winter playing in a background accompaniment, complemented by the laughter of children as they jump in big piles of crackly color. The gentle scent of warm apple cider wraps around her as a blanket, comforting her as the world is acting out its serene production. The world freezes and warps, ripping her from the softness of her dreams. She’s back at her cold yet busy desk, an imitation of paper sits on the screen with nothing on it. The moon, high in the sky, reflects through the window casting a taunting light, ticking down the time until the essay is due. She reads article after article, trying to find a suitable piece to write her essay on. Wildfires burn uncontrollably, the former president makes racist remarks, students’ education being ripped apart by fascist politicians. Each headline is another stone on her shoulders, every story crushing her. Water drops splash against the table, a sheen of tears rolls down her face. She hears a snap and sobs fill the air…”
Stress is a terrible necessary evil. However, managing stress in our modern day is difficult. Notifications blaring all hours of the day as we are expected to always be on call, the world we are inheriting is up in flames as the governments of the world hardly do anything to stop it. Always told we must be the best, as second place is the first loser. Every test is a life altering event, every essay is a fearful reply. Every moment is another stone on our backs as we struggle to hold it up, to take another step. To move our feet one more time. Then another, and another. The Sword of Damocles hangs over our heads. Never allowed rest, because how will we succeed? Never allowed to let loose and be childish, as we should be hustling. Black and white is all we can see, hustle or be worthless. Be a straight A student or be worthless. Be a leader or be worthless.
We are told to meditate, to exercise, or to manage our time better. To do better. Yet we are never told to play, despite it being just as important as meditation or exercise. Hara Marano wrote in her 1999 article, “The Power of Play,” that playing is vital to our health. Mentally, emotionally, and socially. Play can be anything, singing around a firepit or playing catch. It just needs to be fun, and sometimes, social. Marano continues, describing how play opens up new pathways of thought. Studies show that adults who play video games grow stronger problem solving skills, or how people can work through traumatic events by changing the outcome in play. In “The Power of Play,” Marano interviewed Brian Sutton-Smith, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. He speaks about how play is another facet of culture, just like art or music.
Henry Lodge, in his book “Younger Next Year,” discusses how play is instrumental to our development not only as a species or as a culture, but as individuals. He cites various studies about how those who play live longer lives and have better relationships. It engages the part of our brain that laughs and loves and makes us the pack animals we are. It teaches our children how to live and survive. Playing makes us mentally younger, and significantly happier. Stress goes out the door when we let loose and go play.
Stress is a chronic issue for many and it’s more important than ever before to manage stress as best as we can. So while everyone should definitely go exercise, and go to bed at a good time, make sure to take some time to play with your cousins or go jump in piles of leaves. Go have fun, and let the stress roll off your shoulders. The memories will last the extended lifetime you’ve given yourself!
