The Joy of Play: The Restorative, Therapeutic Advantages of Having Fun

Written By John Bulmer

By John Bulmer, Public Information Officer, Capital Cardiology Associates and Dr. Benita Zahn, Certified Health and Wellness Coach

"Playing catch took me where I needed to go… People say they’ve seen a difference in me. Although my heart will always be broken, when I am done catching, I feel better," says Don Kirk, a father who lost his 35-year-old son Jonathan to heart disease, reflecting on his effort to play catch every day in his son's memory.

Simple positive acts, repeated over time, can have a tremendous impact on both physical and mental health.

Engage in small, enjoyable activities—throw a ball, go for a walk, or play a game of your choice. These seemingly trivial acts can significantly enhance mental happiness and physical fitness. Incorporating play into your daily routine increases the body's natural mood enhancers, endorphins. A consistent rise in endorphins reduces stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and joy. Physically, these activities improve cardiovascular health, coordination, muscle strength, and flexibility. Simple and accessible, these activities can lead to substantial and lasting improvements in quality of life, as this article will illustrate.

In today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world, we often forget the importance of enjoyable activities. Yet play, in its simplest forms like playing catch, offers profound restorative and therapeutic benefits for both body and mind.

Health Benefits

Games like playing catch may seem trivial, but they offer substantial health benefits. Light to moderate physical activities, such as throwing and catching a ball, increase heart rate and circulation, strengthening cardiovascular health. These activities also enhance hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, essential for daily functioning. By promoting physical activity, play counters sedentary lifestyles that lead to weight gain and reduced fitness. Engaging multiple muscle groups and joints, play helps maintain strength and flexibility, which is especially crucial for aging populations.

Mental Health Benefits

The mental health benefits of play are equally significant. Playful activities release endorphins, the body’s natural stress relievers, leading to lower stress levels and a calmer state of mind. Exercise, even in the form of play, stimulates the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which improve mood and combat depression. Taking time to play rejuvenates the mind, sharpens concentration, and enhances problem-solving skills when returning to daily tasks. Play fosters mindfulness, reducing anxiety by shifting attention away from stressors. “While it may be hard to tune out the hum of everyday life, the focus required in play turns down that volume,” says certified health and wellness coach Dr. Benita Zahn.

"The focus and concentration involved in play help guide our minds away from worry and 'noise,' creating inner peace. Through play, cognitive skills are strengthened, and resilience is built, helping us navigate life's challenges with greater ease."

Social Aspect of Play

Beyond individual benefits, play offers considerable social advantages. Activities can be enjoyed with family, friends, or new acquaintances, fostering social bonds. Play often involves communication and cooperation, enhancing interpersonal skills and relationships. Shared playtime creates positive memories and experiences, providing a sense of community and belonging. It offers a non-judgmental environment that encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and become more interactive. “There’s an abundance of research about the value of play as a community-builder, and we need that now, post-pandemic,” Dr. Zahn says.

“When the world shut down, we were isolated from one another. This isolation, combined with the growing gap between families and replacing face-to-face contact with social media, is proving very dangerous for health. Social isolation increases the risk of mental health disorders, heart disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immunity. Play adds to the quality of our lives, even extending longevity.”

Ethan Bryan, author of A Year of Playing Catch: What a Simple Daily Experiment Taught Me About Life, emphasized the therapeutic aspects of play in a speech given in Cooperstown, New York, in May 2024: "I lost track of how many times someone told me, 'That was the best part of my day.' I got hugs and high fives galore... People played with someone who was paying attention to them, and the brain chemicals associated with hope and optimism were released as part of the process."

Don's Story: Two Years of Healing and Health

In the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, a son connects with his father’s memory through baseball. For many, baseball is a link to the past—a way to tap into warm memories and forge new ones. It involves strategy, patience, and teamwork, mirroring many of life’s challenges. This game has woven itself into America’s fabric, with its myths and legends passed down through generations. After 9/11, baseball helped heal the nation’s wounds, providing a much-needed distraction from the tragedy. One father, Donald Kirk, has been on an odyssey of playing catch to honor his late son, Jonathan, for over two years.

Jonathan passed away at age 35 due to complications from a heart transplant, and Don found solace in playing catch. Inspired by Ethan D. Bryan’s book A Year of Playing Catch: What a Simple Daily Experiment Taught Me About Life, Don began playing catch with new people daily. This initiative, called Jonathan Catch, allows Don to connect with family, friends, and new acquaintances, sharing memories of his son. The physical and emotional benefits of this practice have been profound for Don.

“I get up every morning and look forward to these catch sessions, whether it’s 5 minutes or 35 minutes,” he explains. “Some days, I have it planned out pretty well, and I know who I am throwing with, and some days I just meet people along my daily route.” This practice has kept Don active and healthy, maintaining his cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall fitness. The emotional benefits have been deep, too. “Talking about Jonathan and sharing memories has helped me and others. It has allowed me to share my grief and empathize with others who have had similar experiences. It evokes nostalgic memories for everyone who participates. I just feel blessed to have had Jonathan for 35 years, and this act of playing catch keeps him close to my heart.”

As Yogi Berra so eloquently put it, “Love is the most important thing in the world, but baseball is pretty good, too.”

The Kirk family partnered with the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region to establish the Jonathan D. Kirk Foundation, which awards grants to nonprofit organizations assisting individuals and families facing life-threatening medical conditions. Beneficiaries include Ronald McDonald House Charities, the American Heart Association, and Albany Medical Center. You can learn more here: https://www.cfgcr.org/kirk/

Helpful Tips to Add a Little Play

Bringing play into our daily lives is not difficult. Start small, perhaps with 10-15 minutes of catch or another activity, and gradually increase your time as you build endurance. Choose times that fit easily into your schedule, such as after work or during lunch breaks. Invite family members, friends, or coworkers to join in, adding elements of enjoyment and socializing. Engage in activities that most appeal to you to keep play enjoyable and rewarding. “You don’t have to reinvent the wheel with play. Just think back on what you enjoyed in your youth. There is no expiration date on that fun, and there is no age limit,” says Dr. Zahn.

“I have a friend who is retired from being a physician, and she likes to play with jacks. She always invites me over to play, and I accept every invitation. It is fun, light-hearted, bonding, and makes us feel like kids. If it makes you laugh, that’s good for the body. When we laugh, endorphins are released, boosting not only the mood but also the immune system.” Now get out and play. Whether it’s a virtual game of Words with Friends, organizing a running or walking group, or anything in between, your body, mind, and soul will thank you. As George Bernard Shaw said, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”

Embrace the joy of play to live a healthier, happier, and more connected life. Enjoy the simple pleasures of playing and discover its significant impacts on your wellness and overall health.

Resources:

Learn more about Dr. Benita Zahn, certified heath and wellness coach and how she can help you like a happier and healthier life at: https://capitalcardiology.com/health-coaching

Further Reading: 

Reading List:

  • "Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul" by Dr. Stuart Brown
    Overview: This book explores the science behind play and its profound impact on our lives.

  • "Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship" by Garry L. Landreth
    Overview: A comprehensive guide to play therapy, focusing on its therapeutic benefits.

  • "Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals" by Oliver Burkeman
    Overview: This book touches on the importance of play and leisure in a well-rounded life.


    @ 2024 Capital Cardiology Associates. All Rights Reserved.

John Bulmer http://www.bulmerphotography.com
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