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In this episode, I discuss the transformative nature of play—how it changes our feelings, thoughts and actions and indeed, how it can rewire our brain to function better in all contexts. I explain the role of play in childhood, as well as adulthood in skill and social development and describe key characteristics of the mind and body during play. Additionally, I explore how play allows the brain to test contingencies in different roles/environments. Throughout, I discuss the underlying neurobiology of play. I also describe how low-stakes play, and tinkering can broaden and shape your future capabilities. Finally, I discuss how our childhood ‘personal play identity’ informs our adult personality. Throughout the episode, I use the science of play to outline recommendations for using play as a means to enhance neuroplasticity and explore novel situations, regardless of age.
Articles
- Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension
- In search of the neurobiological substrates for social playfulness in mammalian brains
- Is chess just a game, or is it a mirror that reflects the child’s inner world?
- 5MinuteConsult Journal Club
Books
- Personal play identity and the fundamental elements in its development process
- Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
- Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety
Timestamps
- 00:00:00 The Power of Play
- 00:02:23 Tool: Reading on Smart Phones, Sighing & Learning
- 00:09:14 AG1 (Athletic Greens), Roka, Helix Sleep
- 00:13:57 Homeostatic Regulation of Play
- 00:23:53 Childhood Play & Mindsets
- 00:29:21 Contingency Testing
- 00:32:17 The (Power of) Playful Mindset
- 00:36:13 Body Postures
- 00:44:03 Rule Testing & Breaking
- 00:48:24 Role Play
- 00:50:39 Neurobiology of Low-stakes Play
- 00:54:22 Expanding Capabilities through Tinkering
- 01:00:03 Play Is THE Portal to Neuroplasticity
- 01:04:44 Adulthood Play
- 01:10:14 Fire Together, Wire Together
- 01:18:03 Trauma & Play Deficits & Recovery
- 01:23:25 Competition & Dynamic Movement
- 01:27:36 Chess, Mental Roles, Novelty
- 01:32:52 Personal Play Identity
- 01:37:24 Play Transforms Your Future Self
- 01:40:55 Recommendations for Play
- 01:44:25 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify/Apple Reviews, YouTube, Sponsors, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne