Skill-Playing

TBD-Minute Exercise

One of the best mind-development “exercises” for kids is free play. Going out and making up games with their buddies is gold. It helps them to be more creative, problem-solve, take charge, and overcome adversity. But as we become adults, we tend to do less and less of it. Even our hobbies become checklists where we have to accomplish something instead of just having fun.

As I’ve spoken about before, skills are a vital component of mind fitness for two reasons:

1. They help create new neural connections and make your brain more capable.

2. They require dedicated attention, almost wholly distracting you from anxious, depressed, or otherwise unhelpful thoughts. Ultimately, you can achieve a flow state when substantially engaged this way.

In this exercise, I want you to play with a skill instead of practicing it. This can apply to musical instruments, martial arts, woodworking, archery, etc. Don’t focus on a specific amount of time or make it about work. Just get going and enjoy yourself. If things last forty-five minutes, great. If it’s only five, that’s fine, too. The main idea is to try to act like a kid again.

DISCLAIMER: RARE SENSE® content is not medical advice. Nor does it represent the official position or opinions of any other organization or person. If you require diagnosis or treatment for a mental or physical issue or illness, please seek it from a licensed professional.