Using Play to Rewire & Improve Your Brain
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In this episode, I discuss the transformative nature of play—how it changes our feelings, thoughts and actions and indeed, how it can rewire our brain to function better in all contexts. I explain the role of play in childhood, as well as adulthood in skill and social development and describe key characteristics of the mind and body during play. Additionally, I explore how play allows the brain to test contingencies in different roles/environments. Throughout, I discuss the underlying neurobiology of play. I also describe how low-stakes play, and tinkering can broaden and shape your future capabilities. Finally, I discuss how our childhood ‘personal play identity’ informs our adult personality. Throughout the episode, I use the science of play to outline recommendations for using play as a means to enhance neuroplasticity and explore novel situations, regardless of age.
Articles
- Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension
- In search of the neurobiological substrates for social playfulness in mammalian brains
- Is chess just a game, or is it a mirror that reflects the child’s inner world?
- 5MinuteConsult Journal Club
Books
This transcript is currently under human review and may contain errors. The fully reviewed version will be posted as soon as it is available.
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