Can Fun Change Your Nervous System?

Tune into the newest episode of our Energy Works Podcast, where science meets spirit to help you heal, energize, and thrive. In this third follow-up episode on play, Lauren and Blaine revisit the tension between purposeful activities and genuine play, and whether the two can coexist.Blaine also shares what happened after the last episode stirred up some defensiveness for her. What started as an experiment with watercolor painting ended in a surprising shift in the nervous system. Her Oura ring data shifted measurably from “stressed” to “relaxed” during and after the session, providing her with real-time evidence that play affects far more than mood. From there, Lauren and Blaine explore how play can be woven into work itself. They introduce the yogic concept of “Lila,” meaning cosmic play, and how the witness perspective allows you to participate fully in the present moment.But they don't stop at the bright side. The episode takes an honest turn into play's shadow through discussing boundary-testing teasing, gaslighting disguised as humor, and the pull of addictive play.The conversation lands on attunement, balance, and the difference between play that restores and play that consumes. This one goes deep and leaves you with a richer, more honest relationship with what it means to truly play. Now available wherever you get your podcasts!Chapters:00:00 Introduction00:19 Why Another Play Episode00:57 Book Play By Stuart Brown01:18 Redefining Purposeful Play02:07 Ego Protection And Pushback04:51 Watercolor Test And Afterglow05:35 Oura Ring Stress Data08:19 Proof Play Boosts Performance09:56 Bringing Play Into Retreat Work12:37 Lila Cosmic Play Concept13:30 Witness Self Versus Flow15:19 Runner Mindset Lightness15:58 Play Boosts Performance16:45 Stress Metrics and Recovery18:41 When Play Turns Harmful21:11 Addiction and Compulsive Play23:21 Finding Healthy Boundaries24:44 Running as a Drug27:58 Attunement and Flow State29:40 ConclusionEpisode Resources:EMYoga Online Courses: emyoga.thinkific.com/collections/emyoga-coursesShop our EMYoga Store: emyogastore.com/Sign up for our FREE weekly Newsletter: www.energymedicineyoga.net/Listen on Spotify: Energy WorksListen on Apple Podcasts: Energy WorksFollow us on Instagram: @EnergyMedicineYogaFollow us on Facebook: @EnergyMedicineYoga#EnergyMedicineYoga #EMYoga #EnergyWorksPodcast #WellnessPodcast #Play #Playful #PurposelessPlay #TheEnergyofPlay