Good Life Project Attention Grown-ups: If You’re Not Playing, You’re Likely Paying a Big Price. | Cas Holman
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Dec 11, 2025 
Cas Holman, a renowned toy designer and former RISD professor, dives into the importance of play for adults. She reveals how our culture stifles playful impulses and offers refreshing definitions of play that go beyond loud activities. The conversation encourages micro-play moments in daily life and discusses the impact of play on resilience and creativity. Holman also debunks myths about adult play, promoting intrinsic motivation over external rewards, and shares practical steps for reclaiming joy as an adult.
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Play Is Essential For Adult Resilience
- Adults often push play to the margins but play remains vital for resilience, creativity, and connection.
- Cas Holman argues reclaiming play helps navigate uncertainty and restores joy in adulthood.
Schooling Silences Our Play Voice
- Cultural schooling trains adults to prioritize right answers and productivity over curiosity-driven play.
- Cas Holman calls the ignored impulse to play our "play voice" that adults learn to silence.
Make Play Visible To Rebuild Its Value
- Revalue play by recognizing its benefits and exposing yourself to it repeatedly until you feel its effects.
- Cas Holman suggests increasing exposure so play becomes a visible priority and not an afterthought.
