Welcome to the #90DaysofPlay Challenge! This week marks the beginning of our journey to reconnect with the joy of play and infuse our lives with a little more lighthearted fun.

Let’s face it, life can get serious sometimes. But remember that playful spirit you had as a child? The one that reveled in silliness, embraced imagination, and found pure joy in the simple act of play? Guess what? It’s still there!

My own experience of incorporating playfulness has made me more excited to start each day. Every morning, I look forward to the time that I can play my favorite Afro Beats or Affirmation Music and dance around my house like no one is watching. Although, my neighbor’s cat is usually spying on me through the windows, I let it all out. Whatever my body wants to do, I do it. Which has led me to new places in my joints and muscles. Moving my hips stirs up my creativity and jazz hands allow me to release stress and tension from my nervous system.

What I’ve learned:

• You don’t have to be good at something to enjoy it and the natural byproduct of doing something that you enjoy is that you get better and better at it.
• Skipping brings me right back to my inner child.
• Rolling down hills is as fun as it ever was.
• Jumping on a Trampoline will lift my mood and my heart rate very quickly.

This Challenge is All About Reconnecting

This challenge isn’t about rigid schedules or forced fun. It’s about taking a small step each day to rediscover the power of play. Here’s the magic: by incorporating playful moments into your daily routine, you’ll:

• Boost your mood: Play is a natural stress reliever. It allows you to let loose, laugh, and see things from a fresh perspective.
• Unleash your authentic self: When we play, we loosen up and become less self-conscious. This allows us to connect with our true selves and express ourselves freely.
• Raise your vibration: Positive energy is contagious! As you embrace playfulness, you inspire others to do the same, creating a ripple effect of joy.

Week 1: Making Play a Priority (One Moment at a Time)

This first week is all about establishing a simple play habit. Here’s how to get started:

1. Pick Your Playtime: Choose one time each day where you can dedicate a short burst (think 5-10 minutes) to play. It could be during your lunch break, after dinner, or even first thing in the morning.
2. Set a Reminder: Use your phone’s timer as a cue to stop and play. This will help you integrate play into your routine without feeling overwhelmed. I look at my schedule for each day and set timers that I know I can adhere to.
3. Embrace the Spontaneity: When the timer goes off, let loose! Dance to your favorite song, build a pillow fort, blow bubbles with your kids, or tell a joke to a friend. The key is to choose something that sparks pure joy in the moment. When your timer goes off, don’t hit snooze or postpone this moment. By making play a priority, you allow your authentic self space to be present in every moment. Don’t be the adult that tells the child not to play!

Conquering Playtime Obstacles and Staying Motivated

Life can get busy, and carving out time for play might feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But remember, even a few minutes of playful release can have a big impact. Here’s how to overcome common hurdles:

• “I Don’t Have Time!” Think small! Start with just 5-10 minutes a day. You can squeeze play into unexpected moments – during a commercial break, waiting for the kettle to boil, or even while brushing your teeth (try a silly dance!).
• “I Feel Cringe!” Who cares? Play is about letting go and embracing joy. Remember, nobody’s watching (except maybe your pet, who might find your cringe delightful).
• “I Can’t Think of Anything Playful to Do!” Don’t overthink it! Keep it simple – jumping jacks, blowing bubbles, coloring in a coloring book, or putting on a funny hat. Whatever tickles your fancy. Check out our website for weekly play ideas too!

Staying Motivated Throughout the Challenge:

• Track Your Progress: Seeing your playful journey unfold can be a great motivator. Download a habit tracker app or simply keep a journal to document your daily play activities. I’ve created a journal specifically for this challenge. You can order it here!
• Find a Play Buddy: Enlist a friend, family member, or coworker to join the challenge with you. Sharing the experience can double the fun and keep you accountable.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your milestones! Did you complete a whole week of play? Treat yourself to something small, like a hot bath or a new playlist for your next dance party.
• Focus on the Benefits: Remember, play isn’t just about fun (although that’s a big part of it!). Remind yourself how play reduces stress, boosts creativity, and connects you to your inner child.

By overcoming these small hurdles and focusing on the many benefits, you can stay motivated and make play a permanent part of your life!

Capture Your Play and Share the Joy!

This week, we’re all about capturing those playful moments and sharing them with the world! But how do you turn your playtime into social media magic? Here are some ideas to get those creative juices flowing:

• Become a Playful Paparazzi:  For Photos: Snap a picture that captures the essence of your play. Did you build a blanket fort worthy of royalty? Capture the majestic entrance! Having a dance party in your living room? Strike a freeze-frame pose that shows off your moves!
• Embrace the Power of Video: For Videos: Film a short clip (think 15-30 seconds) of your playfulness in action. Maybe it’s a quick dance routine you create on the spot, a silly song you make up with your pet, or a playful interaction with a friend. Don’t worry about perfection – let loose and have fun with it!
• Spice it Up with Editing (Optional): Feeling fancy? Many social media platforms and editing apps allow you to add playful touches to your photos and videos. Think fun filters, stickers, or even upbeat music to enhance the mood.
• Share the Play and Spread the Joy!
  • Post on Social Media: Once you’ve captured your playful moment, share it on Instagram or YouTube using the hashtag #90DaysofPlay. This will inspire others and help us build a vibrant community of playfulness.
  • Tag Me! Want to connect directly? Tag me on your posts! You can find me on Instagram at @AuthenticallyMeli and on YouTube at @DairyofanAuthenticLife. I’d love to see your playful adventures!

By sharing your experiences, you might inspire others to try a similar activity, creating a delightful chain reaction of joyful moments. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to play – just let loose, capture the fun, and share the joy!

Stay tuned! As the challenge progresses, we’ll be sharing more tips, ideas, and inspiration to keep your playful spirit ignited. Let’s get ready to rediscover the joy of play, one playful moment at a time!

Read about my first 5 days here!

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