I Don’t Know How to Play

In this episode of Healing Doesn’t Have to Hurt, April and Andrea explore something that sounds simple but can feel surprisingly difficult for many adults: play.What happens when play doesn’t feel natural, safe, or even accessible? And why do some people feel energized and regulated by play, while others feel uncomfortable, exposed, or even overwhelmed by it?Through honest conversation and personal stories, they unpack how childhood roles, family dynamics, and nervous system patterns shape our relationship with play. For some, play was connection and safety. For others, it was replaced by responsibility, structure, and survival.  They also explore the science behind why play matters, including how it supports nervous system regulation, improves vagal tone, and helps us step out of overthinking and into the present moment.This episode offers gentle, practical ways to begin reconnecting with play, especially if it doesn’t come naturally. From small body movements and sound to redefining what play even looks like, April and Andrea remind us that play isn’t childish. It’s essential.If you’ve ever felt like you don’t know how to have fun, this conversation might change the way you see yourself and what you need.