Play (noun):
Engagement in activities for enjoyment, exploration, and creativity, essential for cognitive development, emotional wellbeing, and social learning across all ages.
Play is often dismissed as something we “outgrow.” Science — and lived experience — says the opposite.
The Science of Play: Why Play Is Essential for Success, Happiness, and Human Development
On my journey of Becoming Maverick, I’ve spent years working as an environmental educator and youth mentor with organisations such as WESSA Bush Pigs, F.R.O.G.S Enviro-Adventure Centre, Camp Tholo, youth groups, and gap year programmes. Across wild spaces, classrooms, camps, and conversations, one truth keeps surfacing:
Play is not optional. It is foundational.
Play Is Not a Luxury — It’s a Human Need
Play is far more than entertainment. Research consistently shows that play is a critical driver of human development, shaping how we think, relate, and adapt.
In fact, the United Nations recognises play as a fundamental right of every child, highlighting its importance for healthy growth and wellbeing.
Through play, children naturally develop:
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Problem-solving and critical thinking skills
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Creativity and imagination
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Emotional regulation and resilience
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Social awareness and cooperation
These aren’t “soft skills.” They’re life skills.
What Science Says About Play-Based Learning
Studies in psychology, neuroscience, and education reveal that unstructured play plays a key role in brain development.
When children engage in free, imaginative play, they are more likely to:
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Think creatively and experiment without fear of failure
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Build emotional intelligence and empathy
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Develop curiosity-driven learning habits
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Strengthen cognitive flexibility and focus
Play creates a safe environment where mistakes become teachers — not threats.
Why Play Still Matters for Adults
Play doesn’t stop being valuable when childhood ends — we just stop giving ourselves permission.
Adults who intentionally engage in play experience:
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Reduced stress and anxiety
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Increased creativity and innovation
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Improved mental health and emotional balance
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Stronger teamwork and problem-solving abilities
In workplaces, play fuels innovation. In families, it builds connection. In personal growth, it restores joy.
We don’t lose play because we grow old — we grow rigid because we stop playing.
The Decline of Play and the Rise of Mental Health Challenges
Modern life has quietly pushed play aside.
As screen time, rigid schedules, and performance pressure increase, free play is disappearing, particularly for children. Research links this decline to rising levels of anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
When play disappears, so does:
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Emotional exploration
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Risk-free learning
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Natural stress release
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Imaginative problem-solving
Reintroducing play isn’t indulgent — it’s preventative.
Reclaiming Play in Everyday Life
Prioritising play doesn’t require expensive toys or structured programmes. It requires time, permission, and presence.
Play can look like:
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Outdoor exploration
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Creative expression
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Games, storytelling, and imagination
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Curiosity-led learning
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Moments of laughter without agenda
Play is where resilience is built quietly — and joy returns naturally.
The Maverick Takeaway
Play is not the opposite of productivity.
It is the engine behind creativity, wellbeing, and sustainable success.
When we honour play — in children and adults — we create healthier individuals and more adaptive communities.
Timeless Wisdom on Play
“Play is the highest form of research.” – Albert Einstein
“You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” – Plato
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
Reflection Prompts
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When was the last time I played without a goal or outcome?
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Where has play been squeezed out of my daily life — and why?
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How could I reintroduce play in small, meaningful ways this week?
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What does play look like for me now, as an adult?
Final Thoughts: Choosing Play in a Performance-Driven World
In a world that constantly rewards busyness, achievement, and measurable outcomes, play can feel unnecessary — even irresponsible. But science, history, and human experience tell a different story.
Play is where curiosity is protected, resilience is formed, and joy is restored. It is how children make sense of the world — and how adults remember who they are beyond roles, pressure, and productivity. When we make space for play, we are not stepping away from growth; we are returning to its source.
Becoming an Everyday Maverick means having the courage to value what truly sustains us, even when society tells us to outgrow it. Play reminds us that learning doesn’t have to be forced, creativity doesn’t need permission, and wellbeing isn’t something we earn — it’s something we nurture.
Choosing play is choosing wholeness. And that choice might be one of the most meaningful acts of leadership we can offer the next generation — and ourselves.
Further Reading: Exploring the Science and Power of Play
If you’d like to dive deeper into the research and ideas behind play, creativity, and human development, these accessible resources offer valuable insight:
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Brown, S., & Vaughan, C. (2009). Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.
A foundational exploration of how play influences brain development, emotional health, and creativity across the lifespan. -
Gray, P. (2011). The Decline of Play and the Rise of Children’s Mental Health Challenges. Psychology Today.
An insightful article examining how reduced free play correlates with increased anxiety, depression, and emotional distress in children. -
Guzzetti, B. J. (2018). The Power of Play: The Effects of Play-Based Learning on Children and Adults. Insight Education Group.
A practical look at how play-based learning supports cognitive growth, innovation, and emotional intelligence in both education and work environments. -
Pellegrini, A. D., & Bohn, C. M. (2005). The Role of Recess in Children’s Cognitive Performance. Journal of Educational Psychology.
Academic research highlighting the importance of unstructured breaks and play for focus, learning, and academic performance.
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