How to Bring More Play Into Your Workday

Raise your hand if your workday often feels like one long, endless to-do list. 🙋‍♀️

Yeah. Me too.

Emails, meetings, deadlines, Slack notifications… by 3 PM, even breathing feels like an accomplishment. And if you’re like most adults, the idea of “adding play” into this chaos sounds… unrealistic.

But here’s the truth: play is not a break from work — it’s the secret to doing your work better, with more energy and creativity.

Why Play at Work Matters

Play activates parts of your brain that stress shuts down:

• Creativity & problem-solving

• Collaboration & connection

• Emotional regulation

When you integrate playful moments into your workday, you’re not being “silly for fun.” You’re being strategic: your brain functions better, your energy lasts longer, and your work feels… lighter.

Micro-Play Strategies You Can Actually Do

Here are a few ways I bring play into my own workday — no special equipment required:

1. The 3-Minute Desk Shake

   • Stand up, shake out your arms, legs, and shoulders. Hum a silly note or make a funny face.

   • Result: instant nervous system reset + burst of energy.

2. Curiosity Breaks

   • Ask yourself: What if I approached this email, task, or problem like a game?

   • Add a playful twist: change your perspective, invent a tiny challenge, or use humor.

3. Mini Creative Sprints

   • Take five minutes to doodle, brainstorm “ridiculous solutions,” or free-write ideas without judgment.

   • Result: sparks creativity and unlocks new insights for your work.

4. Co-Play With a Colleague

   • A 10-minute game, shared challenge, or silly icebreaker can reset collaboration energy.

   • Result: laughter + stronger connection = better teamwork.

5. Movement Micro-Hacks

   • Walk while you take calls, stand for a meeting, or stretch in rhythm to a song.

   • Result: circulation, mood boost, and playful body awareness.

The “Play Mindset”

Play is not just about activities — it’s a mindset. Here’s the secret sauce:

• Give yourself permission to be silly: Stop waiting to be “professional” all the time.

• Remember that small wins count: Five minutes of intentional play is better than no play at all.

• Curiosity is key: Ask yourself questions that spark wonder instead of stress.

Once you embrace the Play Mindset, you’ll notice your workday shifting:

• Meetings feel lighter

• Brainstorms are fun

• Stress doesn’t linger as long

Why This Matters

Play at work isn’t optional — it’s essential. Burnout thrives in seriousness. Play dismantles it, one micro-moment at a time. When you bring joy into your day, everything improves. Energy, creativity, connection, focus… all of it.

Want a Year of Playful Workdays?

The 6-Week Play Reset is a guided, group adventure to help you come back to the version of you that felt curious, rested, and empowered before life got so heavy. Doors open January 7.

Join the waitlist today and discover how doing less — with more play — can get you everything done.