Why Adults Should Play with Toys Too: The Science of Fun and Well-being

Why Adults Should Play with Toys Too: The Science of Fun and Well-being

Discover how playful activities can enhance your cognitive abilities, emotional health, and social connections

Play isn't just for children—it's a vital component of human experience throughout life. Many folks think that once we've grown up, we should leave toys and games behind. But crikey, the research shows something completely different! Engaging in playful activities can actually enhance cognitive function, improve emotional well-being, and even make our relationships with others stronger.

Key Takeaways About Adult Play
Cognitive Benefits Improved memory, enhanced problem-solving skills, increased creativity, better focus
Emotional Benefits Stress reduction, mood enhancement, anxiety relief, increased joy and satisfaction
Social Benefits Stronger relationships, improved communication, enhanced empathy, better teamwork
Recommended Play Types Board games, puzzles, mechanical models, construction toys
Recommended Time Just 10-30 minutes daily can provide significant benefits for mental wellbeing

The Neuroscience of Play: Why It Matters for Adults

Play isn't merely entertainment; it's a fundamental process that engages multiple brain regions, enhancing cognitive flexibility and executive function. When we engage in play as adults, our brains light up in ways that mirror the intense neural activity seen in children—but with some fascinating differences. Neuroscientists have found that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and creativity, becomes highly active during play activities. This part of the brain actually gets a proper workout when we're having fun!

Dr. Sergio Pellis, a leading expert in the neurobiology of play, has demonstrated that play behaviours across mammals are deeply linked to neural reward circuits, reinforcing their fundamental role in development and well-being. "The experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain" explains Dr. Pellis. These findings suggest that regular play might be just as important for adult brain health as it is for children's development.

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Neurochemical Benefits of Play

Engaging in play releases several beneficial neurochemicals that work together to create what scientists call a "cognitive cocktail" of wellbeing. Here's what happens in your brain when you play:

  • Endorphins: These natural painkillers create feelings of pleasure and reduce stress. Tackling a challenging puzzle or completing a difficult level in a game triggers an endorphin release similar to what runners experience.
  • Dopamine: The "reward chemical" enhances motivation and learning. Every small victory during play—fitting a piece into a puzzle or solving a game challenge—releases a small dopamine burst, reinforcing the desire to continue.
  • Serotonin: This mood regulator supports emotional stability and wellbeing. Regular play sessions can help maintain healthy serotonin levels, which may explain why consistent hobbies correlate with lower depression rates.
  • Oxytocin: Often called the "bonding hormone," oxytocin strengthens social connections and trust. Group activities like board games stimulate oxytocin release, deepening relationships between players.

This chemical cascade explains why adults often experience deep enjoyment and relaxation when immersed in playful activities. Many of my clients report feeling "refreshed" or "reset" after dedicating time to play—a direct result of these neurochemical changes.

The brain doesn't distinguish between "productive" and "unproductive" play—it responds to all forms of play with beneficial neurochemical changes. This means that whether you're solving a complex wooden puzzle or flying a kite, your brain is benefiting.

Neural Plasticity and Play

Perhaps most exciting is the relationship between play and neural plasticity—the brain's ability to form new connections and reorganise itself. Regular play may actually help maintain cognitive flexibility as we age, potentially offsetting some aspects of age-related cognitive decline.

Studies using functional MRI scans have shown increased activity in the hippocampus (crucial for memory formation) and the amygdala (involved in emotional processing) during play activities. These brain regions typically show decreased activity with ageing, but play appears to keep them engaged and active.

Cognitive Benefits of Play for Adults

The cognitive advantages of regular play extend far beyond temporary amusement. When we incorporate play into our routines, we're actually giving our brains a comprehensive workout that strengthens multiple cognitive domains simultaneously. Let's explore these benefits in detail:

Improved Mental Acuity

Playing strategy games, solving puzzles, and engaging in creative play can help keep the brain sharp well into older age. Studies suggest that adults who engage in mentally stimulating play may reduce their risk of cognitive decline. The principle at work here is "use it or lose it"—cognitive functions that aren't regularly exercised tend to weaken over time.

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Complex games like chess, Go, or even modern strategy board games require players to:

  • Anticipate multiple possible outcomes
  • Remember rules and past moves
  • Adapt strategies based on changing circumstances
  • Process visual and spatial information quickly

These mental gymnastics strengthen neural pathways associated with executive function—the set of cognitive processes that allow us to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and juggle multiple tasks. Executive function typically declines with age, but regular play may slow this process.

Play Activity Primary Cognitive Benefits
Jigsaw Puzzles Visual-spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, working memory
Strategy Board Games Planning, decision-making, adapting to changing circumstances
Building Blocks & Construction Toys Spatial awareness, fine motor skills, engineering concepts
Mechanical Puzzles Problem-solving, persistence, logical thinking

Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills

Play encourages flexible thinking and novel approaches to challenges. Whether through board games or construction toys, play teaches adults to approach problems from multiple perspectives, enhancing real-world problem-solving abilities. The playful mindset—where "failure" becomes simply another attempt rather than a setback—transfers remarkably well to professional contexts.

Mechanical model kits are particularly effective for developing systematic problem-solving skills. These intricate models require careful attention to detail, sequential thinking, and troubleshooting—all valuable skills in professional and personal life.

Increased Creativity

Creative play, such as building models or engaging with artistic materials, allows adults to think outside the box. Many professionals, from engineers to artists, use play as a tool for innovation and creative problem-solving.

The relationship between play and creativity isn't just anecdotal—it's backed by research. Studies have shown that engaging in unstructured play before tackling a creative challenge leads to more original solutions. This happens because play temporarily suspends our "inner critic" and allows for more divergent thinking.

We've all experienced moments of creative insight while doing something playful and unrelated to the problem at hand. Think of how often solutions come to you while gardening, taking a shower, or assembling a model. This isn't coincidence—it's your brain making new connections when freed from the pressure to perform.

Creative play isn't just about making art—it's about maintaining a playful approach to life's challenges. Whether you're building a metal model kit or arranging flowers, you're exercising your creative muscles.

Memory Enhancement

Games and puzzles that require memorization and recall can strengthen both short-term and long-term memory. Card games like bridge or memory-matching games explicitly exercise recall, while strategy games implicitly strengthen memory by requiring players to remember rules, past moves, and potential future scenarios. For adults concerned about memory preservation, incorporating memory-intensive games into their routine might be as important as physical exercise.

Expert Tip:

To maximize cognitive benefits, rotate between different types of play activities. Each type of game or puzzle engages slightly different cognitive processes, so variety ensures a more comprehensive mental workout. Try alternating between strategic games, spatial puzzles, word games, and creative construction activities.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits of Play

Beyond the impressive cognitive advantages, play offers profound emotional and psychological benefits that are particularly valuable in our stress-filled modern world. As adults navigate demanding careers, family responsibilities, and constant digital connectivity, the emotional refuge provided by play becomes increasingly precious. These benefits aren't just subjective experiences—they've been measured and documented through numerous psychological studies.

Stress Relief and Emotional Regulation

Play provides a powerful outlet for stress relief. When we become absorbed in a playful activity, our bodies shift from the "fight-or-flight" stress response toward a more relaxed state. Physiological measurements show decreased cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone) and lowered blood pressure during and after engaging in play activities.

Activities such as UGEARS mechanical models and jigsaw puzzles can provide a calming effect after a long day. The rhythmic, focused nature of these activities creates what psychologists call a "flow state"—where attention is completely absorbed in the present moment, providing a natural respite from rumination and worry.

Playful activities that require focused attention, like model building or puzzles, can create a meditative state similar to mindfulness practices. The difference? Many people find play easier to engage with and maintain than formal meditation.

Mood Enhancement and Mental Health Support

Regular play can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. The engagement in enjoyable activities stimulates the production of endorphins and serotonin—neurotransmitters associated with positive mood states. For many adults struggling with low mood, play offers an accessible form of self-care that doesn't feel like a chore or treatment.

Psychologists have found that playfulness encourages a shift away from negative thought patterns and enhances overall emotional resilience.

Mental Health Note:

While play offers valuable mental health benefits, it shouldn't replace professional support for serious mental health conditions. Rather, it can serve as a complementary approach alongside appropriate treatment. Always consult with healthcare providers about incorporating play into mental wellness strategies.

Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

Play can also enhance emotional intelligence—our ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions and respond effectively to the emotions of others. Role-playing games, cooperative board games, and even competitive activities provide opportunities to experience and process a range of emotions in a safe context.

Through play, adults can practice:

  • Recognising emotional responses
  • Managing frustration and disappointment
  • Celebrating achievements without excessive pride
  • Empathising with others' experiences
  • Navigating social dynamics constructively

These emotional skills transfer readily to professional and personal relationships, contributing to overall life satisfaction and success.

Social Benefits of Play

Humans are inherently social creatures, yet modern life often leaves us feeling isolated despite being more connected than ever through technology. Play offers a powerful antidote to this paradox by creating authentic opportunities for meaningful connection. Let's explore the social dimensions of adult play:

Strengthening Relationships

Play fosters deeper connections, whether between family members, friends, or colleagues. Board games and cooperative activities encourage teamwork, communication, and shared laughter—all essential ingredients for social bonding.

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SLUBAN Army Battle of Budapest - T-34/35 Medium Heavy Tank 519Pcs - Building complex models together creates shared experiences and strengthens bonds

Research in relationship psychology shows that couples who play together regularly report higher relationship satisfaction and better conflict resolution skills. The same principles apply to parent-child relationships, friendships, and even workplace teams. Shared play experiences create common ground, inside jokes, and mutual memories that strengthen relational bonds.

Social Play Format Key Social Benefits
Cooperative Games Teamwork development, shared goals, communication skills
Competitive Games Healthy competition, sportsmanship, resilience in the face of loss
Group Model Building Collaboration, division of labour, appreciation of different strengths
Role-Playing Games Perspective-taking, storytelling, empathy development

Developing Social Skills and Empathy

Games requiring strategy, negotiation, or role-playing help adults practice and refine real-world social skills. These include patience, cooperation, perspective-taking, and conflict resolution—all valuable capacities in professional and personal contexts.

For adults who find conventional social interactions challenging, structured play offers a more accessible entry point to social connection. The shared focus on a game or activity reduces social pressure while still allowing for meaningful interaction. This can be particularly valuable for individuals with social anxiety or neurodivergent traits.

Additionally, games that involve taking on different roles or perspectives naturally cultivate empathy—the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. Research suggests that adults who regularly engage in imaginative play demonstrate greater empathic capacity in their interactions.

Even competitive games can strengthen relationships when approached with the right mindset. The key is balancing healthy competition with mutual respect and a focus on the shared experience rather than just the outcome.

Types of Play for Adults

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Play comes in countless forms, and finding the right match for your interests, personality, and lifestyle is key to establishing a sustainable play practice. Let's explore different categories of adult play, each offering unique benefits and experiences:

Solo Play

Not all play requires a partner! Solo activities like puzzle-solving or mechanical model-building offer relaxation, intellectual stimulation, and a sense of accomplishment. These activities are perfect for introverts or those with unpredictable schedules who still want to incorporate play into their routines.

Solo play options include:

One of the unique advantages of solo play is the ability to completely set your own pace. You can engage for five minutes or five hours, depending on your availability and interest. This flexibility makes solo play particularly accessible for busy professionals or caregivers with limited free time.

Martin, a surgeon I worked with, keeps a partially completed Metal Earth model at home. "I might only add one or two pieces after a long shift," he explains, "but that small achievement helps me transition from work mode to home life. It's a ritual that helps me decompress."

Social Play

Board games, card games, and team-based activities provide social engagement while enhancing cognitive and emotional skills. The social dimension adds layers of complexity and reward to play experiences.

Social play creates opportunities for:

  • Connecting across generations
  • Building new friendships
  • Strengthening existing relationships
  • Practicing communication skills
  • Sharing laughter and creating memories

The rise of board game cafés and adult game nights reflects a growing recognition of the value of social play. These venues create structured opportunities for play in a culture that often undervalues adult playfulness.

Group model building projects can be particularly rewarding forms of social play. Working together on a complex construction kit allows participants to combine their strengths and create something more impressive than any individual could achieve alone.

Social Play Tip:

When introducing friends or family to game nights, start with accessible games that don't require extensive rules learning. Cooperative games can be especially good for mixed groups, as they reduce competitive pressure and create a shared experience.

Physical Play

From recreational sports to playful outdoor activities, movement-based play improves physical health while simultaneously boosting mood and cognitive function. The integration of physical and mental engagement makes these activities particularly powerful for overall wellbeing.

Examples of adult physical play include:

  • Recreational team sports (football, basketball, volleyball)
  • Individual physical activities with playful elements (skating, swimming)
  • Remote-controlled vehicles that encourage outdoor movement
  • Kite flying and other outdoor toys
  • Dance classes with an emphasis on enjoyment rather than perfection

Many adults neglect physical play, focusing instead on structured exercise routines. While exercise is valuable, the playful dimension of physical activity offers additional psychological benefits. When movement feels like play rather than obligation, consistency and enjoyment naturally increase.

Overcoming the Stigma Around Adult Play

Despite the substantial evidence supporting the benefits of play throughout the lifespan, many adults still hesitate to engage in playful activities. Cultural messages about productivity, maturity, and appropriate adult behaviour create barriers to embracing play. Let's address these challenges and explore pathways to reclaiming play in adulthood:

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Many adults hesitate to engage in play due to social stigma, believing it to be "childish" or "unproductive." However, research contradicts these notions, showing that play enhances productivity, creativity, and resilience rather than detracting from them.

Common myths about adult play include:

  1. Myth: Play is a waste of time.
    Reality: Play enhances cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, and social connection—making other activities more efficient and effective.

  2. Myth: Adults should focus on serious pursuits.
    Reality: Innovation and problem-solving in "serious" domains often emerge from playful thinking and experimentation.

  3. Myth: Play is only for children.
    Reality: Play serves different but equally important functions throughout the lifespan.

  4. Myth: I don't have time for play.
    Reality: Brief play breaks can increase overall productivity by reducing stress and enhancing focus.

How to Incorporate Play into Daily Life

1. Start Small

Even 10 minutes a day of engaging in a hobby, puzzle, or quick game can offer cognitive and emotional rewards. The key is consistency rather than duration. Set a timer and immerse yourself fully in play without distractions. Many adults find that brief play sessions throughout the day—perhaps during lunch breaks or between tasks—provide refreshing mental breaks that enhance overall productivity.

2. Identify Your Play Preferences

Find activities that spark joy, whether it's solving a puzzle, playing a strategy game, or building a mechanical model. Pay attention to what genuinely engages your curiosity and provides a sense of enjoyment. Some adults prefer intellectually challenging play like chess or complex puzzles, while others gravitate toward creative expression through model building or artistic pursuits. Your optimal play style may reflect aspects of your childhood interests or reveal entirely new passions.

3. Create a Play-Friendly Environment

  • Keep games, toys, and puzzles within reach.
  • Designate a space in your home for playful activities.
  • Surround yourself with people who enjoy playful experiences.

The physical environment profoundly influences behavior. By creating visible reminders and easy access to play materials, you'll naturally incorporate more playfulness into your routine. A dedicated "play corner" with comfortable seating, good lighting, and your favorite activities can become a sanctuary for relaxation and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Isn't play just for children?

Not at all! Research shows that play is essential throughout life. Adults who engage in regular play experience improved cognitive function, enhanced creativity, better stress management, and stronger social connections. Neuroscience confirms that play activates the prefrontal cortex responsible for decision-making and creativity, while releasing beneficial neurochemicals like endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin that improve overall well-being.

What types of toys are best for adults?

The best toys for adults depend on personal interests and goals:

  • Strategy games enhance problem-solving skills and critical thinking
  • Puzzles improve concentration and mental acuity
  • Building sets boost creativity and spatial reasoning
  • Mechanical models like UGEARS provide both cognitive challenge and stress relief
  • Creative toys facilitate expression and out-of-the-box thinking

Consider exploring our game collection or puzzle selection to find options that match your interests.

How can I overcome feeling self-conscious about playing as an adult?

To overcome the stigma around adult play:

  1. Start with solo play activities in the privacy of your home
  2. Connect with like-minded individuals through hobby groups or game nights
  3. Reframe play as "strategic thinking," "cognitive training," or "stress management"
  4. Remember that many successful professionals—including innovators, scientists, and business leaders—credit playfulness as key to their success
  5. Begin with activities that have practical applications, like puzzles that enhance problem-solving skills

Remember that play is increasingly recognized as essential for adult wellbeing, not merely a childish pursuit.

How much time should adults dedicate to play?

Quality matters more than quantity when it comes to adult play. Even 10-15 minutes of focused play daily can provide significant cognitive and emotional benefits. The key is consistency and genuine engagement. Many adults find success by scheduling "play time" as they would any other important activity, creating a dedicated space for playful activities, and keeping favorite toys or games easily accessible. Start small and gradually increase your play time as you experience the benefits.

Can play really help with stress and burnout?

Yes, play is a powerful antidote to stress and burnout. When we engage in enjoyable activities, our bodies release endorphins that counteract stress hormones and create feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Activities like solving puzzles or building models can induce a "flow state"—a period of complete absorption that temporarily suspends worries and rumination. Regular play has been linked to lower cortisol levels, improved emotional regulation, and greater resilience in the face of professional challenges. For stress relief options, explore our jigsaw puzzles or UGEARS models.

Conclusion

The science is clear: play isn't just for children—it's a fundamental human need that continues throughout our lives. By incorporating playful activities into our adult routines, we not only enhance our cognitive abilities and emotional well-being but also strengthen our social connections and overall life satisfaction. The neurological benefits alone—including increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and the release of beneficial neurochemicals—make a compelling case for prioritizing play in adulthood.

From strategy games that sharpen decision-making to mechanical models that reduce stress, the diverse world of adult play offers something for everyone. By overcoming societal stigma and giving ourselves permission to embrace playfulness, we open doors to improved problem-solving abilities, enhanced creativity, better emotional regulation, and stronger social bonds.

Final Thoughts:

In our achievement-oriented culture, play is often dismissed as unproductive or frivolous. Yet the research suggests the opposite—regular play may be one of the most productive investments we can make in our cognitive health, emotional resilience, and social wellbeing. Whether you're solving puzzles, building models, or enjoying board games with friends, remember that you're not just having fun—you're nurturing your brain, managing stress, and potentially extending your cognitive vitality for years to come. So pick up that game, puzzle, or creative toy and reclaim the joy of play as an essential part of a well-lived adult life.