Welcome back to class! So far, you should be getting a better idea of your sources of stress, your coping skills (positive and negative), and have had a week to practice a key relaxation skill. If you didn't start with us, find my original post HERE and jump on in! You can start class anytime!

This week's lesson is on PLAY . That's right. PLAY! We all need it, and most adults don't get enough of it.

When was the last time you did something that would be classified as play? I am amazed at the number of parents who are committed to getting their children to engage in sports practice, play dates, and time outside, yet do not get that for themselves.

For our purposes, we will define play as an activity done for amusement/enjoyment, ideally in connection with others, the outcome of which we have no concern. That means that play, by definition, is aimless - so, your cutthroat tennis match will NOT qualify for this week's assignment, but playing hide and seek with your toddler does!

The purpose of play is enjoyment, bonding with others, humor, and/or creativity. Decreases in stress levels and cortisol occur in play, along with an increase in endorphins.

Play does not have to be 18 holes of golf, or competitive kickball (although if that's your thing, go for it!). To fit play into your day, it should be short and simple.

THIS WEEK'S ASSIGNMENT : Look back at your notes on what time of day you are most likely to do something to try to unwind. Now, find a way to fit 10-15 minutes of play into that time instead. Jot down what you did and your mood afterward (remember to use the 1-10 scale of most relaxed to most stressed). Ideas include:

• At work : Start a game of trash can basketball, paper football, or (if the boss is out) desk chair races. See who can doodle the best caricature (be nice!), or make the best paper airplane.

• At home : Play in the sprinkler, turn up the tunes and dance, play with your child/dog (let him/her decide what), climb a tree, explore a creek bed. Ride a bike. Toss water balloons at your teenager. Play a quick game of cards. Turn the breakfast nook into a makeshift ping pong table

• Anywhere: Group text movie lines/song lyrics and see how long your friends can keep the next line coming. Sing out loud with the radio (you know you want to). Visit a park. Swing on a swing. Sketch something.

This is your chance to get creative! For more ideas, see the following websites on play and emotional health , and adult playtime.

EXTRA CREDIT : Make all your play NON-ELECTRONIC this week. Apps and gaming are very clever, but they don't engage our level of creativity or connection in the same way.

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