How to Stop Worrying: The Power of Play

Remember the thrill of building a secret fort or the giggles of a backyard obstacle course? The carefree feeling of youth meant that there were no bills to pay, no serious relationship issues to deal with, and no aging or health concerns. If you had a healthy childhood, you can probably relate to the carefree innocence of childhood.

As we get older, life gets more complicated. Maturing into adulthood brings many benefits, but one unfortunate side effect is the realization that bad things can happen, and obligations can become overwhelming.

Whether you are a constant worrier or plagued with the occasional bout of uncontrollable worry, consider reconnecting with your innocent inner child. Unleashing the naivety of childhood, even if it’s only for a short time, can be incredibly therapeutic and help you learn how to stop worrying.

The Bible instructs us not to worry. I Peter 5:7 says “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” God wants us to give all our worries over to Him and to trust Him for the appropriate outcome. However, sometimes our humanity overshadows our faith, and we need practical coping methods to overcome our worry and anxiety.

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach used by trained therapists to help people overcome emotional and social challenges through structured play. Even if you are not in therapy, you can still benefit from some of the principles of this type of therapy by simply incorporating more play into your daily life.

Play therapy can help you to relax, refocus, and relieve yourself, even temporarily, of the burdens of chronic worry. Even if you didn’t have a worry-free childhood, you can still tap into the inner child through deliberate and unstructured playtime.

Benefits of play

Playing can be a powerful tool to help you learn how to stop worrying. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, increase your creativity and enhance your overall mood.

Distraction

Engaging in play can provide a much-needed distraction from worry and negative thoughts. By focusing on a fun and absorbing activity, you can temporarily shift your attention away from your stressors and onto something enjoyable.

Physical play

Many forms of play such as sports or even active video games, involve physical activity. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Physical play can reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.

Social interactions. Playing with others can develop or deepen social connections. Interacting with friends and family during playtime can provide emotional comfort and reduce feelings of isolation often associated with worry.

Creativity and expression

Creative play, such as drawing, crafting, and imaginative games allows for self-expression. This can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and reduce stress.

Sense of achievement

Accomplishing goals or completing challenges in games or play can help to boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. This can improve overall well-being and reduce negative thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness

Certain types of play like puzzles, board games, and strategic video games, require concentration and mindfulness. Being fully engaged in the present moment can help to reduce worry and anxiety.

Fun and joy

Simply having fun and experiencing a sense of joy during play can enhance overall happiness. Laughter and enjoyment are natural stress relievers.

Stop worrying and start playing

Incorporating regular play into your life can be a fun and effective way to manage stress, and getting started can be easy. Here are some suggestions to help you embrace the benefits of play.

Choose the right activity

Start by selecting an activity that you genuinely enjoy. If you’re unsure about the activity to choose, reflect on something you used to enjoy. Think back to the last time that you truly enjoyed yourself and recall the activities involved.

If you are no longer able to engage in those activities due to physical limitations or lifestyle changes, find ways to modify them for your current circumstances. For instance, if you used to love riding a bike, but no longer have the strength for it, consider alternatives like getting a motorized scooter, a motorcycle, or even a virtual reality game that simulates bike riding.

If you can’t think of anything from your past activities that brought you joy or feel they wouldn’t be enjoyable now, explore something new. Maybe you have always been curious about painting but never took the plunge. Grab a sketchpad and some pencils and start creating. The key is to find something that excites and engages you.

Balance of activities

Incorporate a mix of physical, creative, faith-based, and social activities into your play routine. Having a variety of different types of play will help you address the different aspects of your stress and will give you a well-balanced approach to your play routine.

Activities might include something creative like playing with modeling clay or even coloring. For physical fun, try playing on a playground or jumping rope. To incorporate social games, consider a game night for the neighborhood or you could even join an online gaming group. Watch a faith-based movie to enhance your spiritual walk.

Designate time

To incorporate more play into your life, schedule regular playtime into your daily or weekly routine. Just as you prioritize work and other responsibilities, make playtime a non-negotiable part of your life.

Setting aside designated time for play will help to ensure that you consistently reap its benefits and maintain a healthy balance in your life. Whether it’s a daily walk in the park, a weekly game night with friends, or a monthly creative workshop, scheduling a regular playtime can bring joy and peace into your life.

Be present

Focus on the activity at hand and try to fully immerse yourself in the moment. Give yourself permission to take a break from your worries and have a mental vacation, even if it is just for an hour. It’s easy to hyper-fixate on the problem, but try your best to give your full attention to the enjoyable activity you are engaging in. Being present will allow you to fully enjoy the moment and recharge your mind and body.

Play with others

Encourage group play with friends and family to help strengthen social bonds and your support network. Board games are a great way to bond with family and friends and de-stress, too. You can also play a game of tag, hide and seek, or a friendly game of touch football.

If you’re unable to play with friends or family in person, consider engaging in online games. With some reasonable precautions, online gaming can help you connect with others and develop meaningful relationships through online sources such as the gaming community.

Another great way to engage in play with others is to sign up to be a leader at your local church. As a leader, you will oversee planning fun events for the church community and are likely to find people who share your interests or might introduce you to other activities that you didn’t know you would enjoy.

When playing is not enough

Although you can use play to support your mental health, sometimes you may need additional help through therapy. Therapists can guide the process using play to help you overcome challenges and concerns. Trained therapists use specialized techniques and structured approaches in play therapy to provide effective results.

When you’re overwhelmed by worry, it’s essential to remember that you are not alone. Talking with a therapist can make a significant difference in your ability to cope and manage your worry. Therapists are trained to help address your concerns and offer strategies to manage your anxiety and stress effectively.

By sharing your thoughts and feelings with a professional, you will gain a safe space to express yourself without the fear of judgment and receive valuable insights tailored to your specific situation. Therapy can provide emotional support and empower you to live your life with confidence. You can overcome your worries and confront your anxiety.

Reaching out to a therapist is an intentional step toward mental health, well-being, and freedom. To learn more, contact our office today.