Permission to Play: Reclaiming Joy, Creativity & Connection for Mental Wellness

In the final episode of our May Mental Health Series, Dr. Ashitey invites you to return to something essential that many of us left behind: play.Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for stress relief, emotional healing, and even longevity. But in the busyness of adult life, joy often becomes an afterthought. In this episode, Dr. Ashitey shares a personal story about rediscovering fun on her own terms and explores the science behind why play matters for our nervous systems, our relationships, and our sense of self.You’ll learn:Why play is a core part of emotional and physiological healthWhat happens to your brain and body when you stop playingHow to reconnect with joy in a way that feels true to who you areSimple, real-life ways to reintroduce play—no extra time or toys requiredThis episode is your permission slip to laugh louder, move more freely, and remember what it feels like to be fully alive.