My son Spencer eats and breathes soccer. He’s been competing for 10 years now, and he prides himself on playing his best, which makes me proud.
But the thing that amazes me when I when I watch him play it appears he never tires during games.
Soccer is among the most arduous of the major sports because you never stop. It’s jog, sprint, run, repeat. But his focused determination allows him to leave behind any feelings of working at exercise. This is clearly his playtime — and he loves to play.
Not many adults retain an intimate connection between exercise and playfulness. Too often, as we age, we think we’re too busy, too old or just too alienated to engage in spontaneous play. But if you just imagine being 12 years old again, you can re-embrace your right to play.
Have you used your imagination during exercise lately? Activate your mental resources to make it like a “cardiovascular playtime.” The choices are almost limitless: Go out with your sweetheart walking under the stars, fly a kite, ride a bike – climb a tree! – or hike, jog, run side-by-side on treadmills at the gym, swim laps, do aerobics, run on the beach, build sand castles (you’d be surprised how much effort it takes!).
Find the activities that bring you happiness, celebration, relaxation, communication, love, joy, creativity, pleasure, abundance, spontaneity, passion, peace, self-esteem, courage and life energy. When you lock in to those types of exploits, you’ve discovered the activity for you – and exercise will no longer seem like a chore.
Keeping it up for life
Once you’re focused on how you deserve to feel during playtime activity, make sure your activity fits these qualifications:
- Can be performed at a convenient time of day.
- Can be performed within your allotted time.
- Allows you to stretch out first and cool down after.
- Can be done pleasurably either with someone or alone.
- Can be accompanied by the right inspirational music.
- Can be performed consistently.
- Affordable within your budget.
Staying active and keeping your body-temple in fit shape may look like a physical activity on the outside, but, holistically, it is a mental-emotional one. The way you feel about your playtime activities is crucial to its success for your body. If you love it, you’ll do it! If you can’t wait to get to your favorite activity during playtime, then of course you’ll master this part of you and it will never be a chore, but rather a cherished privilege.
