by Tiffany Snyder

A “therapeutic outlet” is adult verbiage for “play,” and chances are, we can all benefit from more of it! Here are some healthy activities that help regulate our nervous system, process emotions, and relieve stress:

• Creative arts (painting, sculpting)
• Expressive writing (journaling), 
• Somaticmovement (yoga, dance, cardio-drumming)
• Mindfulhobbies (gardening, cooking). 

These types of play are necessary for the mental, physical and spiritual well-being of all generations, especially if we are parenting (or grand-parenting) the next generation. 

When is the last time you played for the fun of it? A large majority of adults don’t know how to play or won’t allow themselves to because they are “too busy.” Or if they do play, alcohol is a prerequisite, and does no favors for our nervous systems.

Being a parent frequently gives us a reason to play, but can we really focus on enjoying ourselves? When playing, do we feel pulled in another direction? Are emails or to-do lists beckoning? These are signs that we might need some solitude to slow down mentally and live in the moment. Meanwhile, young children live in the moment EVERY moment, so it is no wonder they are experts at playing.

The purpose of taking this inventory is not to cause guilt or comparing with others, but to empower us to be intentional with our precious time. 

Too often we fill moments of boredom by grabbing our smartphone instead of looking at the opportunities around us. Hopefully our phones are a short bridge to actual in-person connections, which are also important.

Repeating the same routines makes our brains say, “Blah!” We actually can get “stuck in a rut” because our brains are losing neural connections when traveling the same pathways.  We need stimulation (a new path!) as well as solitude to function well. Too much of either is a recipe for dis-ease. Luckily, our little community has many opportunities (and more to come!) to try something new. Check out the Stockbridge Community News Community Calendar—online or in the printed edition—to find activities for young and old.

For example, since January, I’ve led a painting class, held at the Village Hall, called “Art Basics.” (Dates in August include Aug. 11, 18, 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.)  For an hour and a half, we use acrylic paint to play, and I think it’s magical! In this intergenerational class, everyone (ages 6- 86, so far) comes with different experience levels. Materials are provided. We set up our space and listen to instruction on how to mix colors. Then we get started together. In other words, “I do, then you do.” Getting started together and agreeing to just see what happens moves us through the nerves of starting something new. “Oops” moments do happen, and I’m an expert at helping others see the potential within the unexpected. I encourage artists to choose how to add personal touches to their creation so there is balance between structure and free-flow. 

Hearing grandkids asking their grandma, “Can we come back every week?” or seeing a girlfriend admiring her boyfriend’s koi fish and admitting she attended “as support” is music to my ears.  Truth is, we ALL need some support! No one knows exactly what they are doing! As a parent, or human being, we are learning as we go. Responding to unexpected events is not just an art skill. It’s a life skill. We just need to take an out-of-the-ordinary left-turn for our well-being!

The comment I hear the most is, “I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed painting!” That, my friends, is the joyful sound of a happy brain that was allowed to play!

Activity Challenge: Please join me for an evening of creative play for ages 6 and up, especially adults who need to play and/or recharge! Our community needs each other to be the best it can be! I’m positive you’ll leave feeling better than when you arrived! This month, mark your calendars for Tuesdays, Aug. 11, 18, and 25 at 6:30 p.m. and join us at the Stockbridge Village Hall.