It’s May! Can You Come Out and Play?

 

I enjoy a little “R&R”- rest, and relaxation. For me, this equals soaking in a hot bath, nibbling on some chocolates, and curling up in bed early with a good book. Taking time to rest and relax is crucial for our wellbeing. Today I would like you to consider another “R” that sometimes gets overlooked and is also crucial to our health and happiness: recreation. Recreation is a hobby, activity, or pursuit that brings pleasure. It is a way of “playing” and is beneficial in many ways, yet in our fast paced and competitive world we sometimes do not make the time to recreate.

Hopefully, not this month though, because it’s May! The month of “yes you may!” So, I am inviting you to come out and play. The Health Guide to Being Well and Happiness states: “While play is crucial for a child’s development, it is also beneficial for people of all ages. Play relieves stress, improves brain function, stimulates the mind, and improves creativity. It increases energy and improves your relationship with others. Play heals emotional wounds and is a nice distraction from our problems.” Play is important and taking time to recreate is good for you and should not bring on guilt. I was taught growing up that we work hard and then play hard.

For people with depression working and playing can be difficult to do. Most people suffering from depression, including myself, say that the things they usually enjoy doing no longer sound worthwhile or pleasurable. I know when I am depressed, I feel empty and unmotivated and because of this I don’t do much of anything. However, I have learned it is a wise step forward on the path of healing, to make small efforts to engage in activities that I once found enjoyable. And to do those things even if I feel apathetic about the activity and it does NOT sound like fun upfront.

For instance, I love to go out and run when I am well, yet I feel too tired and unmotivated when depression and anxiety are present. When this is the case, I play a little game with myself to urge myself on, and say, “I will run for ten minutes. After that if I don’t want to go longer, I will give myself permission to stop.” I figured I can do anything for ten minutes. There were a few times I did stop after the ten minutes but more often I would go on to run for 30 minutes, even 60 minutes.  I give more ideas for motivating yourself when depressed in chapter 8 “Riding the Wave” of my book, It’s Time Living a Full and Joyful Life with Depression and Anxiety. (See link below)

When it comes to play, you may even have other excuses that come up like, I’m not the creative type, I’m not very athletic, I just don’t have time to waste on something that is not “productive.” Or I don’t know where to begin. I would suggest stamping out any worries or excuses and find your inner child. As a child I was willing to pretend and to try out new things. I knew that experimenting and failing at something was okay. So, make the time and take some risks and experiment. Remember even if it is a little scary it is worth it, because it could also be fantastic!

As I heal from depression and anxiety, I am stiving to become my true and best self. The good news is that recreating is a simple way to do this. In the past year I started watercolor painting by following some tutorials on YouTube. The supplies were inexpensive and the instructions for beginners were simple and fun. Thanks to a suggestion from my friend Nancy, I am now making silly birthday cards for my grandchildren. I find it relaxing and it is a good creative outlet for me. I dabble at my painting while listening to the nighttime news or relaxing on a Sunday afternoon. When babysitting my grandchildren, I give them some paint and brushes and we experiment together.

Here are some points to consider:

1. Remember it is “play” and it is best if it is different from what you do for “work.”
2. Ask yourself these questions: What sounds like something I could enjoy? Is there something I have always wanted to do? What traits have I admired in others?
3. Do you already know what to do and you just need to make the time to do it? You’ll be glad you did. One idea is to make an appointment with yourself and write it down on your calendar and honor that appointment.
4. Ask someone to join you in your adventure if that would be fun. Plus, you can encourage each other.
5. Consider your time and budget currently in life. Explore the internet for ideas, costs, and other information you need to decide.
6. Pray and write out your ideas.

Some suggestions for recreating: mountain climbing, birding, composing music, coloring, volunteering, studying the stars, running, playing pickle ball, knitting, Mediterranean cooking, snorkeling, fly fishing, cycling, wood working, playing chess, doing family history research, storytelling, gardening, grandmothering, traveling and exploring new places.

Playing pickleball is something I would recommend trying. It is easy to learn and a lot of fun. My husband and I have enjoyed playing pickleball together on a Saturday evening. Call a local tennis club for more information.

So, today follow nature’s lead. The world is springing forth re-creating with flowers blooming, grass growing and leaves filling in the trees. Nature is calling come join in the fun and gives you permission to do something gratifying. God the creator of all things wants you to enjoy recreating. Recreating is one way to re-create who you are. God wants your growth and happiness; it is important to Him. The good news is that it is never too late and you’re never too old to discover happiness and growth.

During the month of May, I suggest that you ask people “What do you do for play?” instead of, “What you do for work?” Let me know how that goes in the comments. Invite your friends out to play.

 

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