Resources for Wellness for IL Frontline Staff: Play and Wellness

Here are the resources to support staff with stress reduction and self-care practices during these challenging times.

Please feel free to disseminate widely and keep an eye out for future emails.

We have been sharing these through our Wellness for IL Frontline Staff Facebook group monthly since May, but realized that many folks are not on social media so attached are the previous toolkits we have provided there.

PLAY & WELLNESS TOOLKIT

Nature and Health Toolkit

Boundaries Toolkit

Emotional Intelligence Toolkit

Lifestyle Toolkit

Play and Wellness toolkit

Relaxation Response Toolkit

Self-Compassion Toolkit

Social Connection Toolkit

Playfulness and Well-Being

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing."

-George Bernard Shaw

The Benefits of Play

Relieve stress: Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

Improve brain function: Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.

Stimulate the mind and boost creativity: Young children often learn best when they are playing-a principle that applies to adults, as well. You'll learn a new task better when it's fun and you're in a relaxed and playful mood. Play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems.

Improve relationships and your connections to others: Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn't have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful attitude can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships.

Keep you feeling young and energetic: Play can boost your vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you function at your best.

Creating opportunities to play

  • Host a regular game night with friends and family. (Zoom games count! 19 Best Zoom Games to Play - Easy and Actually Fun Zoom Games (cosmopolitan.com))
  • Arrange nights out with work colleagues.
  • Schedule time in a park or at the beach to throw a frisbee or fly a kite with friends.
  • Play with a pet.
  • Surround yourself with playful people. They'll support your efforts to play and have fun.
  • Joke with strangers at a bus stop or in a checkout line.
  • Visit a magic store and learn some tricks. Invest in art supplies and get creative.
  • Play with children.

See The Benefits of Play for Adults - HelpGuide.org for more information.