The Psychology of Play: Why Adults Need Summer Recess Too

The Ontario Psychological Association notes that in our productivity-driven culture, play is often misunderstood as a wasteful or immature activity. In reality, play is a powerful tool for regulating emotions, recovering from burnout, and reconnecting with creativity. It is any activity that feels joyful, spontaneous, and immersive state of being that is inherently “purposeless, fun, and pleasurable.” This freedom from productivity is exactly what makes play so mentally nourishing.

The Psychological Case for Play.

The need for play is rooted in our neurobiology. Dr. Gordon Neufeld, a Vancouver-based developmental psychologist, describes play as a sanctuary for our emotions. According to Neufeld, the primary purpose of play is to manage our feelings. It creates what he calls an “emotional playground”, a safe, not-for-real space where the brain can process emotions without them feeling like work. “Play turns out to be the only form of activated rest that’s available to us,” he notes, distinguishing it from passive activities like watching television.

This concept is supported by research from the University of Alberta, which explored how play contributes to holistic wellness across a lifespan. Participants in these studies consistently reported that play was central to their well-being, providing essential elements like joy and coping mechanisms. One participant from the study articulated a sentiment that resonates with many: “It just makes you feel good” was the “bottom line of why we play across our lifespans”. When life becomes stressful, play acts as a counterweight. As one study participant explained, while facing work pressure, the ability to engage in a playful activity creates a necessary disconnect: “it’s like something else did exist, and now I’m relaxed and now I can sit down”.

Play as a Buffer Against Burnout.

For many Canadians, the pressures of work and daily life can lead to severe burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion and chronic stress. Play offers a preventative tool against this state. Positive psychology research shows that playful adults are more adaptable, less reactive, and more capable of handling uncertainty. Engaging in activities that promote joy can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, while building social bonds that are crucial for resilience.

However, the journey back to play is often blocked by stigma. A common misconception is that play is the opposite of work. In reality, “the opposite isn’t work, it’s depression” (Stuart Brown, as cited in a Concordia University study). When we lose our playful approach to life, we can become joyless and anhedonic. The stigma is particularly potent for adults; society often shames them for engaging in activities deemed “childish” outside of specific contexts like parenting or professional performances. This internalization makes it difficult for people to give themselves permission to be playful.

Making Space for Summer Recess.

The good news is that “play” does not require a return to organized sports or a trip to the playground (though it certainly can). It is about reclaiming a mindset. As one University of Alberta researcher emphasized, “It is not what you do, it is how you do it.” Play is a mental attitude, not a specific activity. It can be anything from painting without a purpose, to building with LEGO, to engaging in a spirited board game with friends.

For those feeling the call for a “summer recess,” experts suggest a few starting points:

1. Reframe “Productivity”: Give yourself permission to engage in activities that are process-oriented, not outcome-oriented. The goal is the joy of the experience, not a finished product.
2. Think Like a Child: Reflect on what you enjoyed doing as a child. Is there a way to revisit or reinvent that activity today?
3. Schedule It: In a culture that values busyness, play must be intentional. Even ten minutes of unstructured, joyful activity a day can be a radical act of restoration.

Ultimately, reclaiming play in adulthood is not about escaping reality but about reconnecting with ourselves. As Dr. Neufeld notes, “play may be the active ingredient in therapy when it works. In play, play is a sanctuary for feeling our emotions”. This summer, consider giving yourself permission for a recess—it might just be the healthiest decision you make all year.

And if reclaiming play means asking, “Now where did I leave my lightsaber?”—all the better.