As a mama, I know how important play is for my kids and I prioritize it. However, it is easy to forget that play is important for me, too. God created us to play and we don’t just outgrow play when we become adults.
In 2 Samuel 6, the Bible tells us that David danced before the Lord, one translation of the Hebrew word translated as “danced” is actually “played.” If David, a man after God’s own heart, can play before the Lord, then so can I!
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Benefits of Play for Mamas
Regular play also has many health benefits for adults, such as:
- stress relief
- boosts energy
- increases creativity
- improves connections with others
- improves brain function.
I don’t know about you, but as a mama of five who is still nursing my 10-month-old, I regularly suffer from “baby brain” and could sometimes use a boost in my brain function.
On the other hand, adults suffering from play deprivation become dull, lose perseverance, and forget how to enjoy life, according to science. I know my kids would not want to be around me if I were like that.
12 Ways for Mama to Play
So, if I have convinced you to add a little play to your life, but you don’t have the time or money to pick up a new, expensive hobby, here are 12 simple ideas of things that can bring a little joy to your life and will bless God to see you’re delighting in all he has offered you.
1. Read a book or magazine.
Reading is definitely my favorite type of play. I spend most of my reading time with Christian, non-fiction, but also love to find a clean YA series that I can dive into for a few months.
Recently, I have been on the hunt for a fun, Christian women’s magazine that is light and beautiful to look at. If you have any suggestions, let me know in the comments below.
2. Go for a drive.
Especially now with spring and sun, I love to hop in the car and go for a drive alone. The car is my safe, happy space. I feel close to God there. Depending on the day, you may want to listen to some 90’s music, praise music, or a good audiobook.
So open the sunroof, crank the New Kids on the Block, and belt it out, mama!
3. Have a zoom date with your ladies.
I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to step into a restaurant yet. And, though I desperately miss coffee with my friends, I am patiently waiting for it to be safe for me and all my babies before I am social again, especially over food or drinks.
But, I have had lots of wonderful conversations with other ladies over Zoom these past few months and I encourage you to reach out to your friends and try it.
4. Go for a walk.
My house isn’t located in a convenient place to take walks, but I live on a beautiful island with lots of other places to enjoy. Going for a walk is an excellent play idea for mamas. It can help your body, mind, stress, and spirit, plus it is easy on the budget.
5. Drink a cup of coffee or tea.
Sometimes for me, I don’t have a lot of time, but I know I need a playful moment. Just a simple moment. Not where I need to get moving or do something big and creative, but I just need a quiet moment to really delight in something that I enjoy.
In those moments, I make tea. I don’t drink coffee, but that could be your thing, and that’s ok I guess. 😜
If it is warm outside, I will make a fresh pitcher of iced tea, even if I have some made, because if I really want to delight in the moment, fresh is best. If it is cold, I will have a hot English Breakfast with cream and splenda.
And, I will drink it hot. I won’t leave it on the counter while I get snacks or change a diaper. If this is a needed moment to enjoy the world God created for me, I may even sit on the floor behind the kitchen peninsula and drink every last sip, savoring it’s richness and letting it refresh my soul.
Even though I drink tea daily, I get intentional when it is my moment of play. Playful tea tastes so much better.
6.Do some crafting.
I am an Enneagram 1 and I love to lean into that 4 and get a creative when I am stressed or needing some extra playfulness. Although I try to do this a bit when I am doing art with my girls, it is really good to pull out the paint, knitting needles, or whatever else it may be when the kiddos aren’t around, too.
7. Go to Target.
There has been more than one Friday evening that I have spent alone wandering the aisles of Target. Plus, since ours is about an hour away I also get a drive and some audiobook reading done on those nights.
If you lack self-control, leave your wallet in the car to keep it budget friendly.
8. Play a musical instrument.
Are you musical? Pick up an instrument. It is a great way to play and connect with God.
9. Watch something new.
We got rid of cable a couple of years ago, so I have fallen behind on When Calls the Heart. Just this week I borrowed Season 6 on DVD and have watched an episode at night before going to bed. Because it isn’t something freely accessed online, it feels fresh and different.
10. Bake something.
Most of my baking is for the girls, so sometimes it feels playful and like a special treat when I bake something I want and I don’t worry if I am the only one who will eat it.
11. Go get a blizzard and don’t get one for the kids.
After bedtime, I have been known to eat a Blizzard every so often. It doesn’t happen on the regular, so it feels playful and because the kids are all asleep I can enjoy the moment to myself without the guilt.
12. Play a board game with your spouse.
Again, wait for the kiddos to go to bed and pull out a board game that has too many pieces or too difficult of instructions for the littles to play. If you and hubby get really competitive, this might not be the best idea for you and you should probably go to Dairy Queen instead.
I hope I have shown you that play is both important and simple. You can definitely have some awesome hobby that takes time and money to be involved in, and that is fabulous! But, if that isn’t possible for you in this time, I get it! Just don’t let that be an excuse. Mama, you can play over a cup of tea, a song on the radio, or a good book. Be intentional and delight in the goodness of our God.
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