SUSAN TIPPETT BRAITHWAITE

Workaholism–so closely tied to its arsehole twin, perfectionism–is a bitch and a half. As someone who oscillates between non-stop work and complete stops, finding time for play in daily life is a wee bittie torturous. Though, when I’ve forced myself to make the time, it’s been unexpectedly rewarding. My journey towards incorporating play has taught me that play doesn’t contract time; it surprisingly expands it.

Workaholism and Its Playful Antidote

Workaholism and perfectionism frequently dictate the rhythm of my life. Yet, ‘The Artist’s Way‘ by Julia Cameron has illuminated the importance of play, showcasing its power to enrich life, boost creativity, and alleviate stress.

The Artist’s Date

The concept of an artist’s date is about dedicating time each week to nurture the creative spirit within. That’s an artsy-fartsy way of putting it and makes it sound easy to allow yourself time to do it. The dates are meant to be fun and frivolous. For instance, some of my favourite dates have been sewing a skirt, sinking into the sofa and bingeing a few chapters of an Anne Stuart novel, and, of course, getting some quality Xbox time in.

The ‘fun and frivolous’ bit is what makes it challenging to allow myself to do it. Yet, each time I do, it opens up new avenues of joy and creativity. And when I get back to my desk, time expands. So, what usually takes a few hours is done in one.

Daily Moments of Play

So, with what I learnt in my artist’s date–the time expansion–I decided to add a bit of play to my daily life. Each morning, I set up my planner with fun stickers. It’s a tiny yet significant act of play. Just enough that it feels like there’s enough time in the day to complete my to-do list. It’s incredible how much joy can be found in the simplest activities.

The Role of Play in Creative Work

Incorporating play into my routine has been transformative. That’s because these moments of frivolity are more than just breaks. They refuel my creativity and leave me feeling more fulfilled and less stressed. And, weirdly, loosening the grip of workaholism makes me more productive.

Embracing My Inner Chimp

My inner chimp, Neen, often guides these playful adventures–playing my beloved Halo on Xbox or creating images with DALL-E. These activities remind me that life is not just about work; it’s about finding balance and embracing moments of pure joy.

The Importance of Play in a Balanced Life

Integrating play into my life has been a journey of discovery. It’s shown me that by allowing ourselves time to play, we enrich our lives and create a buffer against the stresses of daily life.

Do you find time to play in your busy life? Share how play has enriched your life or helped you manage stress in the comments below!