Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin 257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman
Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection.
In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel less stressed, and do what matters with more joy.
Some of the things we talk about today are:
- What “free play” actually is—and how it differs from structured games and competition
- The research-backed benefits of play for adults
- Three keys to re-learning play as an adult
- Practical ways to make ordinary moments playful
- How play strengthens relationships and dissolves unhelpful hierarchies at work and at home
- Why boredom is not the enemy
- How to tune into your “play voice” and quiet the self-critical “adult voice”
- How to redefine success so you enjoy the experience, not just the outcome
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Links & Resources
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