What Is Play Anyway?
Play…
...is time spent without purpose (no end goal!)
...offers freedom from time (you’re in flow)
...is voluntary (you do it just for you)
...boosts creativity (you get more done)
...sparks vitality (and you lose self-conscious thinking)
...brings you into the present (without even trying!)
Here’s Why
You Need Play
Research shows that play is life-giving:
Adults who play experience less stress and more optimism and well-being.
Relationships strengthen at home and at work
Stress and anxiety feel manageable
Creativity is sparked and innovation flows
Positive energy is boosted, benefitting mental health
Happiness and physical
well-being improve
Life is filled with a bit more meaning…and a lot more fun
From Past Students
“Alison really forced me to figure out if I play enough, how I play, and what I'm going to do with my time when I do play.”
Merrill S
Westport, CT
“I’m a new mom and a business owner so I am always trying to prioritize self-care. I didn’t think of PLAY as self-care, but Alison really opened my mind to how much I need it.”
Karri B
Rye, NY
“Alison is great at helping people like me to push boundaries and take risks or let go of certain situations.”
Lauren K
Los Angeles, CA
The 5 Play Languages
Are You a MOVER?
The Mover is described as energetic, determined, connected to the body, and interested in movement.
When a Mover doesn't play: You can feel restless when you don’t move (I get it, I am super cranky after a few days without a walk or yoga class).
Are You a THINKER?
The Thinker is described as intelligent, introspective, focused, and interested in mastery. You will benefit by making time in your calendar for activities that jog the mind.
When a Thinker doesn’t play: You can get bored when your mind isn’t stimulated, or frustrated when you don’t carve out the time to play your way.
Are You a CREATOR?
The Creator is described as original, inventive, expressive, and interested in imagination. You are most joyful when your creative juices are flowing.
When a Creator doesn’t play: You may feel stifled when you don’t express your craft or creativity and you get easily bored in the mundane.
Are You a CONNECTOR?
The Connector is described as resourceful, other-oriented, extroverted, and interested in making connections, be it with friends, an audience, or a community.
When a Connector doesn’t play: You can feel lonely when you have too much time to yourself and you need to find activities that allow you to express yourself and give you the space to share what lights you up.
Are You an EXPLORER?
The Explorer is described as adventurous, curious, perceptive and interested in novelty. You are happiest when you are experiencing something new.
When an Explorer doesn’t play: You can feel stuck when you aren’t trying new things or expanding your horizons, and even frustrated when you’re caught in a routine that doesn’t offer any new experience.
“The opposite of play isn’t work…it’s depression.”
Dr. Stuart Brown
Founder of the National Institute for Play
From Past Students
“I’m a new mom and a business owner so I am always trying to prioritize self-care. I didn’t think of PLAY as self-care, but Alison really opened my mind to how much I need it.”
Jill
Victoria, British Columbia
“I loved Alison’s emphasis on play, which is something that I had let go of a long time ago.”
Tara
Far Hills, NJ
“I didn’t need to want to change careers or my living situation, I didn’t need to move out of the country, or even travel more. I just needed to look at what existed and see what small changes I could make that might make my personal life and my family life even more fulfilling than it is.”
Devin
Charlotte, NC
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