The Spiritual and Mental Health Benefits of Play
Carolyn Klejment-Lavin
MA, LPC/A, NCC
9/14/25
“Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” Psalm 126:2-3
The summer has drawn to an end- we have sent kids back to school, or returned to class ourselves, the bathing suits and towels are packed away. The stores are filling with pumpkin spice-flavored everything, and you may even have the AC turned off!
When my family goes on summer vacation, my husband and I like to set an intention for our time. We ask, “What is the important thing we want to prioritize in our time away?” And every single time, what we want to say is “rest!” We want to unplug, have unstructured days, and basically catch our breath. However, we have two very energetic young boys who are basically on full throttle energy from wake-up to bedtime. At this point, we know that choosing “rest” as a vacation priority often leaves us feeling frustrated.
So, lately, instead of rest (which we love and is essential!), on vacations, instead we chose “play” as our intention for our time- that we would choose to do things that were fun, life-giving, and to use play as an opportunity to connect with the friends and family we visit.
Play is something we often don’t prioritize as adults. We are about getting things done at a rapid pace, fitting more and more into our schedules until we crash. Moments where we play- do something for the sheer joy of it- are often few and far between. However, there are significant mental health benefits to prioritizing play as adults. Research shows that engaging in playful activities, such as sports, hobbies, games, or just relaxed, fun time with friends, reduces stress by lowering cortisol levels and promoting positive emotions. On a mental level, play also supports cognitive flexibility, creativity, and problem-solving. Play can also foster stronger relationships through shared joy, laughter, and trust, all of which act as protective factors for mental health. By making space for play in daily life, we can experience restored energy, build resilience, and reconnect with a sense of joy and spontaneity that supports overall well-being.
Play may also offer us a glimpse of what God has for us. In Genesis 2, we read that there was no sin, no brokenness, and the world was proclaimed as “good.” There was Eden, and in it, peace and connection with God. J.R.R. Tolkien once wrote, “Certainly there was an Eden on this very unhappy earth. We all long for it, and we are constantly glimpsing it.” We all know we feel something missing, and often we are hungrily trying to fill it, fix it, and strive to stop that feeling through any number of things. Play and the pursuit of activities that bring us joy can offer glimpses of God’s goodness, creativity, and joy that permeate our world - from belly laughs with friends to ocean waves, sweet summer peaches, and the thrill of a drop on an amusement park ride.
In the day-to-day monotony of life, it may be easy to see our spiritual life as more tasks on our daily to-do list. Yet we follow the God who is behind every good thing-every joyful and fun thing. Jesus tells us to be like little children (Matt 18:1-5), and play can bring us back to a place of curiosity, joy, and humility like children. Prioritizing time for play and joy could be what helps point us towards needed spiritual disciplines such as sabbath rest, celebration, gratitude, and worship.
As we transition from the unstructured rhythms of summer to the routines of fall, may we discipline ourselves to seek joy, remain alert to God’s creativity and playfulness that fills this earth, and connect with our good Father who has created every good thing.