Do You Still Know How to *Send It*?

Introduction

Walking through the park the other day, I saw two kids building ramps to launch their bikes off.

They were in the zone—completely absorbed, fearless, and fully present. As I walked past, one of them shouted:

“Do you want to see us *send it*?”

I couldn’t help but laugh. I loved that phrase. The excitement, the confidence, the joy of it. And you know what? They absolutely did “send it”—no hesitation, no overthinking, just full commitment.

It instantly took me back to my own childhood. We used to do exactly the same thing, although we added our own reckless twist: one of us would lie down behind the ramp while another attempted to jump *over us*. It was madness. But at the time, it felt like pure joy.

That small encounter reminded me of something important: as adults, we don’t often live in that space anymore. Somewhere along the way, we lose our sense of play. We swap ramps for routines, adventure for responsibility. We stop “sending it” and start “managing it.”

But play isn’t childish. It’s human. And it might be one of the things we need most.

Why Do We Lose Our Sense of Play?

Children don’t need to be taught how to play. It’s instinctive. Watch a toddler with blocks, or a group of kids chasing each other around a park—there’s no instruction manual required. Play is how we learn, connect, and explore the world.

So what happens to us as adults?

1. Cultural conditioning: Somewhere in adolescence, the message shifts. We’re told to “grow up,” to get serious, to focus on productivity and responsibility. Play starts being seen as frivolous or even wasteful.

2. Time pressure: The busier we get—with work, family, and commitments—the more we squeeze out anything that doesn’t have a clear outcome. Play, which by definition doesn’t need a purpose, is one of the first things to go.

3. Fear of looking silly: As children, we don’t care who’s watching. As adults, self-consciousness creeps in. The idea of dancing badly, being spontaneous, or doing something “pointless” can feel uncomfortable.

4. Stress and burnout: Ironically, the very conditions that make play most necessary (chronic stress, fatigue, disconnection) are the same ones that convince us we “don’t have time” for it.

Psychologist Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, argues that play is as fundamental to human development and wellbeing as sleep or nutrition. Yet adults often treat it as optional—a luxury rather than a necessity.

What We Lose Without Play

The absence of play isn’t just a loss of fun—it’s a loss of something vital. Studies have shown that play contributes to:

- Creativity and problem-solving: Play activates parts of the brain linked to imagination and innovation. Companies like Google have famously encouraged “playtime” at work because it sparks fresh ideas.
- Stress reduction: Playful activity reduces cortisol levels, lowers blood pressure, and helps regulate the nervous system.
- Connection: Play builds social bonds—whether it’s laughing during a game, joking around with friends, or sharing an adventure.
- Resilience: Engaging in play makes us more adaptable and able to cope with change.

Without it, life can start to feel flat, heavy, and overly serious. We get stuck in cycles of productivity without joy, responsibility without relief.

Relearning the Art of Play

The good news is, play never truly leaves us. It’s an ability we always have, waiting to be reawakened. But it does take a conscious choice to bring it back.

Here are some ways to start:

1. Redefine Play  
Play doesn’t have to mean sports, games, or childish activities (unless you want it to). It’s anything that brings you joy, absorbs your attention, and feels freeing. For some, that’s music, art, or gardening. For others, it’s climbing, dancing, or messing around with gadgets.

2. Lower the Stakes 
Play works best when the outcome doesn’t matter. You don’t need to be good at it. In fact, giving yourself permission to be bad at something—drawing, singing, skateboarding—can be liberating.

3. Make Space for Spontaneity 
Play thrives in the unplanned moments. Say yes when a colleague suggests a lunchtime kickabout. Join in when your kids are laughing in the garden. Let yourself be swept up instead of staying on the sidelines.

4. Gamify the Everyday 
Turn mundane tasks into challenges—set a timer for cleaning, race yourself to finish emails, or invent small competitions. Injecting a playful spirit into the ordinary can transform it.

5. Reconnect with Nature 
Outdoor play has unique benefits: it reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps you reconnect with your body. Go climb a tree, skip stones, or build a den—you might surprise yourself.

The Science of Joy

Neuroscientists have found that play activates the brain’s reward circuitry, releasing dopamine and endorphins that boost mood and motivation. It also stimulates neuroplasticity, helping the brain stay flexible and resilient.

Meanwhile, studies on adults who engage regularly in playful activities show higher levels of life satisfaction, better relationships, and improved emotional regulation. In other words, play isn’t just nice to have—it’s medicine for modern life.

References: 
- Brown, S. (2009). Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Avery. 
- Yogman, M., Garner, A., Hutchinson, J., Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. Pediatrics, 142(3). 
- Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. 
- Gordon, G. (2014). Well Played: The Origins and Future of Playfulness in Culture. American Journal of Play, 6(2).

My Commitment to 'Sending It'

Watching those kids in the park reminded me how much I’ve lost touch with that fearless energy—and how much I want it back.

For me, that might look like dusting off my old skateboard, playing music just to make noise, or joining in instead of observing. It doesn’t matter what it is—it matters that it feels alive.

Because play isn’t childish. Forgetting how to play is.

So let me leave you with this:

**When was the last time you did something a bit bonkers?**

Final Note

The way we talk to ourselves matters. If you’re telling yourself that play is pointless, childish, or indulgent, it’s time to rewrite that story.

If you’re looking to rediscover joy, presence, and a lighter way of living, I’d love to help. Reach out—I’m here for anyone who wants to find their own way to “send it” again.