This article is brought to you as part of the ASCAP Wellness Program.

As creators, we are fortunate to have a job that sometimes doesn’t feel like work at all. Still, even when that might be the case, it's important to give your mind and body a break by doing other things that are enjoyable and not at all part of your job. In fact, research has shown that play – defined as any recreational activity that brings us joy – can help increase creativity and lower stress, among other health benefits. 

Whether it's physical play like sports or artistic pursuits like painting, allowing ourselves time to  play can be a valuable investment in both ourselves and our careers, allowing us to return to work with renewed inspiration and fresh ideas, says Kara Latta, a certified life and success coach and founder of The Playful Warrior, a coaching program that uses the concept of play to help people unlearn perfectionism and overcome doubt. Engaging in intentional play with something that is truly a hobby done solely for pleasure fosters creativity by activating different neural pathways in the brain, she says.

"Play is one of the most powerful tools to spark creativity, because it engages different parts of the brain," explains Latta. "When we play, especially in a way that feels unstructured and free, our brains shift out of their usual patterns of thinking, and this helps activate neural pathways connected to imagination, problem solving, and innovation."

Better yet, if your chosen form of play is a physical activity, like going for a bike ride, jumping rope, or shooting hoops, you can double up on the benefits. That's because in addition to the well-known physical benefits of regular exercise, moving your body has also been shown to provide mental health benefits, which can in turn support greater creativity and productivity. Just be mindful of the difference between a play activity and a workout. The key to unlocking the benefits of play is that you actually enjoy the activity.

According to Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH, CEO of FreshTri, a brain science technology company focusing on mindset, practice, and iteration, many people are often standing in their own way when it comes to incorporating play, because they're stuck living in the context of success versus failure, and hyper-focused on steep competition and the looming premise of potential defeat, “which can serve as a motivation kill-switch,” she says.

"Play is something we are wired for. It can take many different forms, but however you engage in deep, life-giving joyful activities, it's vitally important to disconnect from the drive to achieve," Dr. Bobinet says. "When we 'live to achieve,' we are constantly threatened by our own brains, which are trying to protect us from the inevitability of failure. Play is an excellent antidote for that, providing us a chance to return to things that make us happy for the sake of being happy."

According to Latta, play creates a safe space for trial and error, encouraging us to experiment without fear of failure, which is essential for creativity. For creators specifically, engaging in play can lead to breakthroughs, new perspectives and an expansion of our perception of what’s possible. Play also has enormous potential to help with reducing stress and boosting problem-solving skills for creators, she says. Taking time to play can provide new solutions to creative blocks or allow them to approach their work from a new angle.

"Stress stifles creativity, while play serves as a powerful antidote. When we engage in play, our bodies release endorphins and lower cortisol levels, allowing us to reset and step out of 'fight or flight' mode," says Latta. "This reduction in stress can allow creators more mental space to think clearly and approach challenges with fresh eyes. Play also encourages a more relaxed state of mind, which has been shown to improve problem-solving abilities."

One of the great things about play is that it doesn’t have to be a solo activity; it can help you strengthen relationships, including connections with friends and acquaintances. It gives us permission to loosen up, break the ice and build trust. Play can also help to develop, improve and hone social skills, which are essential for establishing boundaries, cooperation and teamwork. Most people are taught to "play nicely" as children, and these skills eventually transfer to adulthood when it comes to working together and breaking down barriers to improve personal and professional relationships. That’s one reason why more and more companies have begun offering employees "play" activities such as yoga classes or a kickball league; play promotes workplace productivity, in addition to providing individual benefits.

"Creators often feel pressure to always be 'on,' but this can lead to burnout and diminishing returns," says Latta. "Play offers a reset button. It’s like giving the brain a breath of fresh air. When we disconnect from work and give ourselves permission to enjoy activities purely for fun, we replenish our creative energy."