PLAY, CREATIVITY, AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION

When it comes to managing stress, play may seem like the last thing that would help. But research shows that play can actually help us become more resistant to the fight-or-flight response, tap into creativity, and feel more safe and balanced around others.

Through regular Play, or balancing between Ventral Vagal and Sympathetic, our nervous system learns to become more nuanced and resistant to the fight or flight response.

Instead of dropping straight from rest-and-digest into a stress response, play teaches the nervous system to stay balanced, open, and creative, even when we may perceive stress.

Play also helps us tap into creativity. Creativity allows us to see the world in new ways and find new solutions to problems, and can also help reinforce more positive and hopeful feelings when a solution always seems to be available.

Finally, play teaches us improved emotional regulation. When we feel safe and secure, we are less likely to experience negative emotions like fear and anxiety. We can also learn to express our emotions in more positive ways. All of these benefits make Play a key tool for managing stress and supporting a balanced nervous system.