Where Did Play Go? Reclaiming Your Joyful Self in a Serious World

Episode Summary: Have you ever felt like a part of yourself got lost along the way? That lighter, playful version of you—the one who laughed without thinking, chased silly ideas, or turned a rainy day into an adventure—quietly slipped away amid responsibilities, deadlines, and endless to-do lists? When was the last time you played just for the joy of it? Not for productivity, not for output…just for YOU? In this episode of Advancing Women Podcast, I explore the lost art of playfulness and why reclaiming it matters; not just for joy, but for creativity, resilience, connection, and well-being. Drawing inspiration from childhood stories, pop culture, and science-backed research, I’ll share practical strategies to invite play back into your life. We’ll discuss: Why productivity culture and societal pressures often push play aside, especially for ambitious women. How play actually improves brain function, problem-solving, creativity, and relationships. Micro-play rituals and imaginative practices you can start today. How reconnecting with your playful self can reduce stress, spark joy, and strengthen community. Key Takeaways: Playfulness is not optional—it’s foundational to thriving. Shared laughter and playful interactions enhance connection and trust. Start small: 5 minutes of dancing, doodling, silly voice texts, or gamifying everyday tasks can reignite your playful spirit. Revisit childhood joys and bring them into adult life intentionally. Use micro-play rituals to make routine spaces and moments playful and alive. Resources Mentioned: Brown, Stuart. Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.Avery. Ware, Bronnie. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing.Hay House. Apps / Tools: Habitica. Habitica, and Epic Win. Redwood Games, Let’s Connect: Instagram: @AdvancingWomenPodcast Facebook: Advancing Women Podcast LinkedIn: Dr. Kimberly DeSimone

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Where Did Play Go? Reclaiming Your Joyful Self in a Serious World is an episode from Advancing Women Podcast by Dr. Kimberly DeSimone.

This episode is 22:26 long.

This episode was published on Oct 6, 2025.

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