Do you remember having recess in school? That period during the day when you got a break and everyone went outside, ran around, played on equipment, played tag or simply made up a fun game? When did recess disappear from your schedule? Do you miss it? What do you do for play in your life today and how often do you make time for it?
Plato said, “You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” Play decreases inhibitions and allows for your authentic self to shine through.
Brian Sutton-Smith said that “The opposite of play is not work, it is depression.” Indeed.
Why do adults need to play? Play provides the critical space for the use of imagination, creativity and mind/body integration, while fostering the development of physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Play is instinctual and can make us happier, more flexible and more resilient in the world. And let’s face it. Play is good for the soul! Play decreases stress and increases empowerment and pleasure in life.
Today I invite you to consider reintegrating the idea of recess into your days. Every day. Yep, that’s right. Every day. Do something that feels fun, playful, uninhibited and free once a day and take note of how it feels, as well as the cumulative effect on your body and soul. Off you go, play away and have some FUN!
About Jodi Rubin, ACSW, LCSW, CEDS
Jodi graduated with a B.A. in Psychology from SUNY at New Paltz and earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University. In addition to over a decade of work as an LCSW and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist with individuals, families and groups in her private practice, Jodi is a NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer and created Destructively Fit®, a training that addresses eating disorders within the fitness industry. She is a former director of Day Treatment at The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders and a founding member of Metropolitan Psychotherapy and Family Counseling Practice. Jodi also specializes in infertility and has served on the Clinical Advisory Board of Seleni Institute since its inception. Jodi is the creator of a curriculum on eating disorders for the Graduate School of Social Work at New York University and has been teaching this course, as well as guest lecturing in the NYU Post-Master’s Program, since 2007. Jodi actively lectures and teaches students, families and professionals throughout the metropolitan area about the etiology, prevention, treatment, assessment and work with eating disorders. Through psychotherapy and supportive work with adolescents, adults and families, Jodi works to create a secure sense of self, increased self-esteem and a healthy relationship with self and others. She works with an eclectic person-centered approach and tailors her practice techniques to the unique needs of each individual.
Please feel free to contact Jodi directly in her Greenwich Village office, 212.529.5811.
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