257 - The Science of Play for Adults: Lower Stress, Better Problem-Solving With Cas Holman

Do you think play is just for kids? When life feels serious and productive, play might be the furthest thing from your mind. But a more playful mindset is a science-backed way to boost resilience, problem-solving, and connection. In this episode, I sit down with toy designer and creativity expert Cas Holman. We explore how to bring more play into everyday life so you can think more flexibly, feel less stressed, and do what matters with more joy. Some of the things we talk about today are: What “free play” actually is—and how it differs from structured games and competition The research-backed benefits of play for adults Three keys to re-learning play as an adult Practical ways to make ordinary moments playful How play strengthens relationships and dissolves unhelpful hierarchies at work and at home Why boredom is not the enemy How to tune into your “play voice” and quiet the self-critical “adult voice” How to redefine success so you enjoy the experience, not just the outcome Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources CasHolman.com Playful Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ AquaTru - Go to ⁠AquaTru.com⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to ⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices