15 Ways to Play as an Adult (When Life Feels Like a Hamster Wheel)
Feeling stuck in the daily grind? Here are 15 ways to shake things up and bring some play back into your life—because adulthood shouldn’t be all bills and grocery lists.
1. Dance Like Nobody’s Watching
Blast your favorite tunes and dance like you’re on stage at Coachella. Dress up, turn on the colored lighting. Bonus points for going live on instagram to give your friends a giggle.
2. Board Game Battle
Gather friends and get competitive. Monopoly, Codenames, or a heated round of Uno—winner gets ultimate bragging rights. If you don’t have any game board friends, then head to Facebook on your local groups for people your age, you are surely to find someone that is totally down!
3. Try an Useless Hobby
Learn to juggle, make a pinata, yo-yo, make balloon animals, origami. The more random, the better.
4. Play with Your Food
Make mini versions of your favorite meals, do a blind taste test, or attempt a Pinterest/Instagram recipe that’s way out of your skill set. My favorite is finding a recipe from a different country!
5. Dress Ridiculously for No Reason
Wear a cape to the store. Rock formal wear to a casual dinner. Bonus if no one questions it.
6. Visit a Toy Store and Test Stuff Out
Press all the buttons, ride the scooters, and build something with Legos. No kid required.
7. Make Up a Personal Challenge
Can you speak in accents all day? Walk through the house without stepping on cracks? Time to find out.
8. Blow Bubbles at the Park
Or skip stones, fly a kite, or bring sidewalk chalk. Instant serotonin boost. Or make the most amazing sand castle at the beach!
9. Do a Silly Voice-Over for Your Day
Narrate your tasks like a documentary: "And here we see Jessica, bravely unloading the dishwasher…"
10. Have a "Yes Day" for Fun Stuff
Say yes to little joys—ice cream for dinner, a spontaneous road trip, or a mid-day dance break. My favorite heading to Santa Monica for a ride on a rollercoaster!
11. Build a Fort
Use blankets, pillows, and fairy lights. Then binge-watch movies inside like you’re 10 again.
12. Send a Funny Letter or Postcard
Write to a friend as if you’re an 1800s explorer describing the perils of modern life. Or maybe a penpal?
13. Recreate a Childhood Game
Tag, hopscotch, hide and seek—who says these are just for kids? Find someone to join in on a nerf battle at the park!
14. Get Crafty Without Caring About the Outcome
Doodle, paint, or make a friendship bracelet. The goal is fun, not perfection.
15. Invent an Alter Ego for the Day
Be "Daphne St. Clair, an heiress with a secret," or "Tony Thunder, a retired action hero." Play it straight and see how long people go along with it.
Final Thoughts
Adulting is overrated. Add some nonsense, break the routine, and remember—play isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Now go have some fun!
Which one are you trying first? 🎉
