Everyone Benefits from Play Time
Dr. Joseph Mercola
January-February 2020 • Vol 3, No 108
Humans, like most other animals, have a natural play instinct, and this instinct has important benefits. It allows us to fine-tune our motor skills, develop social skills and emotional resilience, and learn our limitations. It is essential for normal, healthy brain development.
The brains of play-deprived rats are underdeveloped in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for impulse control and decision-making. They also have disorganized neuronal growth and irregular neuronal cells. The replacement of physical play with technological gadgetry has many experts worried, as research shows that interactive, vigorous playing makes people smarter, braver and kinder.