Blog #6 The Power of Play: Giving Yourself Permission to Have Fun

When was the last time you let go and played, just for the joy of it? As adults, we often get caught up in responsibilities, schedules, and endless to-do lists. But play isn’t just for kids. In fact, embracing fun and creativity can improve well-being, relieve stress, and spark inspiration in unexpected ways. At Oakwood Art Studio, we believe in the transformative power of play and invite you to rediscover the joy it brings.

Play is essential to happiness. Research shows that creativity and play aren’t just fun, they profoundly impact cognitive and emotional well-being. When we engage in play, our stress levels drop as cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases, leaving us more relaxed and joyful. At the same time, our brains become more adaptable, forming new neural connections that enhance creativity and innovation. Laughing with others or engaging in a shared activity fosters connection by triggering oxytocin, the hormone responsible for strengthening relationships. But beyond fun, play is key to cognitive flexibility, helping us approach problems with fresh perspectives. Studies even suggest that play strengthens memory and learning by activating the hippocampus, the brain’s storage center (Gray, 2013; Brown, 2009).

The benefits of play aren’t just theories; they show up in real, measurable ways. In the workplace, employees who engage in creative, playful activities, like brainstorming, team-building games, or art breaks, report higher job satisfaction, better collaboration, and increased innovative thinking (Bateson & Martin, 2013). Schools that incorporate playful learning techniques, like hands-on art projects, interactive storytelling, and gamified education, see noticeable improvements in student engagement, problem-solving, and information retention (Gee, 2003). Gamified learning environments make education more dynamic with game-based elements like rewards, challenges, and interactive digital tools that enhance motivation. And in everyday life, those who regularly embrace playfulness, whether through painting, dancing, or simply laughing more, experience lower anxiety and a greater ability to manage stress.

One of the most compelling real-world examples of the power of play comes from Volkswagen’s Fun Theory experiment. The initiative explored how adding an element of fun to ordinary tasks could encourage people to engage in positive behaviors. In one experiment, researchers turned a subway staircase into a giant working piano, with each step producing a musical note. Almost immediately, people started choosing the stairs over the escalator, increasing physical activity simply because it was fun (click here to watch a video). Another experiment transformed a standard trash bin into a “deep bin” that made a cartoonish falling sound whenever someone threw something inside. As a result, people were more inclined to dispose of their trash properly. These examples illustrate how play has the power to shape behavior in positive ways, whether encouraging movement, responsibility, or social connection. When we make everyday activities more enjoyable, we are more likely to engage with them.

At Oakwood Art Studio, we provide a welcoming space where you can reconnect with your playful, creative side. Whether through our paint-and-sip events, pet portrait sessions, or after-school programs, we invite you to set aside your worries and rediscover the magic of making art just for fun. Play isn’t a luxury, it’s essential. Let yourself have fun, and you’ll feel the difference. Join us at Oakwood Art Studio and rediscover the joy of making art!

Book a class today – www.oakwoodartstudio.com

Peter & Debbie Scott

Volkswagen’s Fun Theory experiment