For most adulst, when they hear the word “playing,” they think of children outside on a summer afternoon – but while “play” is generally reserved for children nowadays, there is no reason why adults cannot play as well, and when you realize all the benefits of playing (and understand some of the ways by which you, as an adult, can play yourself!), you will stop thinking of “play” as something that is only for children, and will instead start thinking of ways that you can play yourself.

Some of the best ways by which an adult can “play” are also some of the best ways by which an adult can stay in shape; a few examples of playing include swimming (either in the ocean or at a pool), going for walks (or better yet, going for hikes over varied terrain!), and putting together some sort of game with your friends – whether it is a pickup game of soccer or football, a game of softball, or a game of ultimate frisbee.

On top of working to get you outside and keeping your body in shape, playing will also help you to get sunlight; although sunlight in excess is not good for your skin, your body requires a measure of sunlight every day, as getting 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight on 70 to 80 per cent of your body will give it the vitamin D it needs.

And when it comes to playing, one of the best benefits – even if you do it in such a way that is not a workout, and even in such a way that you are not getting sunlight in the process – is that it helps you relax and helps to minimize your stress; because of the way in which stress impairs your immune system, keeping stress at bay is a great way to improve your health – and what better way to minimize your stress than by simply playing!

Next time you hear the word “play,” try to not think about children outside on a summer afternoon, but instead, think about yourself – and start thinking about the ways you can play yourself, in order to be able to enjoy all the benefits that come along with it!

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