The Power of Play to Heal by Dana Gibson M.A., Recreation Therapist
Play is critical to the basic functioning of each one of us. Games promote feelings of joy, success and acceptance, reinforcing self-esteem. The manner in which we play determines our mental and physical health.
Life itself is a game. Each of us plays by our own unique set of rules. Sometimes life is fun and runs in our favor. But life also pitches wrenching traumatic incidents such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or head injury. Then we need to invent a new set of rules because this is a whole new game. Through play you can discover, how you want to be, who you want to be and what you want to be.
Board games, cards, dominos, Maj Jong and chess help in the rehabilitation process with the re-development of perception, sequencing and pacing skills. Games help rebuild basic cognition such as numeric fundamentals, eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Tossing games are a first step out of isolation (frequently associated with post-illness depression) by relating to others. But above all, games involve the total person, body, mind and spirit. The fun, the laughter, the playful spirit provides space for the body to heal and space for the mind to adapt to a new way of life.
Play Provides A Sense Of Identity: Through play we can discover our strengths and shortcomings and demonstrate love and acceptance. Playing games helps to eliminate crying, anxiety, excuses, criticism and putdowns.
Play Provides A Sense Of Security: Games set realistic limits, enforce rules consistently, develop self-respect and responsibility and build trust. Playing games helps to overcome shyness, fearfulness, nervousness, temper and negativity.
Play Provides A Sense Of Belonging: Play creates a proper environment to explore the responsibilities of group membership and encourages acceptance and inclusion of others. Play helps to overcome isolation, loneliness, teasing and boasting.
Play Provides A Sense Of Purpose: Playing games involves expectations, builds confidence and faith and is a direct aid in setting goals. Play helps overcome lack of effort, discouragement, helplessness and boredom.
Play Provides A Sense Of Personal Competence: Playing games requires making choices and decisions, helps in self-evaluation, gives encouragement and support, recognition and rewards. Play helps overcome dependence, worry, cynicism, fear of risk, need for praise and depression.
The healing power of play reflects the essence of life -- something to do, someone to relate to, something to hope for.
Play is critical to the basic functioning of each one of us. Games promote feelings of joy, success and acceptance, reinforcing self-esteem. The manner in which we play determines our mental and physical health.
Life itself is a game. Each of us plays by our own unique set of rules. Sometimes life is fun and runs in our favor. But life also pitches wrenching traumatic incidents such as stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or head injury. Then we need to invent a new set of rules because this is a whole new game. Through play you can discover, how you want to be, who you want to be and what you want to be.
Board games, cards, dominos, Maj Jong and chess help in the rehabilitation process with the re-development of perception, sequencing and pacing skills. Games help rebuild basic cognition such as numeric fundamentals, eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. Tossing games are a first step out of isolation (frequently associated with post-illness depression) by relating to others. But above all, games involve the total person, body, mind and spirit. The fun, the laughter, the playful spirit provides space for the body to heal and space for the mind to adapt to a new way of life.