Embracing playfulness: The surprising key to adult well-being

By avagrace // 2025-08-04

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Adults who embrace playfulness experience greater mental health, happiness and stress reduction, according to a study from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.
The study found that playful behaviors—such as journaling playful activities—can be practiced and improved over time, leading to measurable mood and outlook benefits.
Western societies often equate adulthood with seriousness, but playful individuals show greater creativity, relationship satisfaction and workplace innovation.
Researchers identified playful traits in different forms—social (joking with friends), light-hearted (viewing life as a game), intellectual (playing with ideas) and whimsical (enjoying the unusual).
Simple daily habits, like reflecting on playful moments or approaching challenges with curiosity, can help adults integrate playfulness into their lives for long-term benefits.

In a world often dominated by deadlines, responsibilities and stress, a new study suggests that adults who embrace playfulness enjoy greater well-being than their more serious counterparts. Published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, research from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) reveals that playful adults not only find joy in mundane situations but also experience measurable improvements in mental health. The study, led by psychologist Kay Brauer, demonstrates that playfulness isn't just for children—it's a trait that can be cultivated, with lasting benefits for happiness and even professional success.

The science behind playfulness

Playfulness has long been dismissed as a frivolous trait, associated with immaturity or lack of discipline. But the MLU study challenges that assumption, showing that playful adults are better at reframing dull situations, reducing stress and fostering creativity. Unlike humor, which relies on wit or jokes, playfulness involves a mindset of curiosity, spontaneity and lighthearted engagement with the world. (Related: Can we laugh our way to a healthier body?) Researchers divided 533 participants into three experimental groups and one placebo group. Each night, the experimental groups completed simple journaling exercises—such as listing playful activities they engaged in or recalling moments where they acted playfully in unexpected ways. Over 12 weeks, those who practiced these exercises reported higher well-being and lower depressive symptoms compared to the placebo group.

Why playfulness matters in adulthood

Historically, Western culture has emphasized productivity and seriousness as markers of maturity. The Industrial Revolution and modern corporate culture reinforced the idea that play belongs to childhood, while adulthood demands relentless focus on work and responsibility. Yet, this study suggests that suppressing playfulness may come at a cost. Playful individuals tend to approach challenges with flexibility, finding novel solutions where others see dead ends. They also report higher satisfaction in romantic relationships, likely because they bring spontaneity and joy into daily interactions. In the workplace, playfulness has been linked to greater innovation—employees who think outside the box often do so because they're unafraid to experiment.

Can serious people learn to be playful?

The study's most compelling finding is that playfulness isn't fixed—it can be nurtured. Participants who deliberately reflected on playful behavior saw measurable improvements in their mood and outlook. This contradicts the notion that personality traits are rigid, offering hope for those who consider themselves too serious or pragmatic. Psychologist René Proyer, a co-author of the study, identifies four types of playful adults. Other-directed individuals thrive on joking with friends, while light-hearted people view life itself as a game. Intellectual playful types enjoy playing with ideas and perspectives, and whimsical individuals are fascinated by the unusual and unexpected. Each type demonstrates that playfulness isn't one-size-fits-all—it manifests in ways that align with individual personalities.

The cultural stigma against playfulness

Despite its benefits, playfulness carries a stigma, particularly in German-speaking cultures, where it's sometimes equated with unreliability. But Proyer argues this perception is misguided. Playful adults aren't unserious—they simply engage with the world differently, often with greater adaptability and resilience. In an era of rising anxiety and burnout, the study's implications are timely. Employers, educators and mental health professionals may need to reconsider the role of play in adult life. Schools and workplaces that encourage creativity and lightheartedness could see tangible benefits in morale and productivity.

Practical steps to cultivate playfulness

For those looking to integrate more play into their lives, the study suggests simple daily exercises. Journaling playful moments—such as reflecting on three playful things done each day—can help reinforce the habit. Reframing challenges playfully, approaching problems with curiosity rather than dread, can shift perspectives. Observing playful behavior in others also helps normalize lighthearted interactions. These small shifts can gradually rewire thought patterns, making playfulness a natural part of daily life.

A call to reclaim play

The MLU study adds to a growing body of research challenging the false dichotomy between work and play. In a society that often equates success with relentless seriousness, embracing playfulness may be the key to greater happiness, stronger relationships and even professional innovation. For adults who've long dismissed play as childish, this research offers permission to lighten up—not as an escape from responsibility, but as a way to enhance it. The data is clear: a playful spirit isn't just fun; it's a vital component of well-being. Watch and learn about being happy as an adult. This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

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