Can you believe we’re already diving into the heart of summer? June has arrived with all its promise of longer days, spontaneous adventures, and the kind of carefree energy that makes us want to kick off our shoes and dance in the grass. 

 

This month, we’re embracing the theme of Play – and I’m so excited to explore what this means for our wellness journey together!

 

 

When we hear the word play, we often think of children running freely, lost in imagination. But play isn’t just for kids—it’s a vital, often overlooked part of adult well-being, especially for women balancing the demands of career, family, and personal growth.

 

At its core, play is any activity that brings joy without a specific goal. It can be spontaneous or planned, silly or creative, active or restful. Whether it’s dancing in the kitchen, trying a new hobby, painting for fun, or laughing with friends, play invites us to be present, curious, and connected to ourselves.

 

The benefits of play reach far beyond momentary pleasure. Mentally, it helps relieve stress and boosts creativity. Emotionally, it strengthens our resilience and can help us reconnect with joy during tough seasons. 

 

Physically, playful movement—whether it’s pickleball or paddleboarding—gets our bodies moving without the pressure of a workout. And perhaps most importantly, play helps us return to a sense of beinginstead of constantly doing.

 

In a world that values productivity, choosing play is a radical act of self-care. When did we start believing that joy needed to be earned or that laughter was frivolous? Our bodies and minds are designed for play – it’s how we process stress, spark creativity, and connect with others.

 

This month, I challenge us all to embrace the revolutionary act of play. What brings you joy without purpose? When do you feel most alive and free? Let’s give ourselves permission to be wonderfully, unapologetically playful.

 

Research shows that when we approach movement as play rather than punishment, our bodies respond differently. Playful movement reduces cortisol (stress hormone) production while increasing endorphins and dopamine. This means better mood regulation, improved immune function, and actually more effective fitness results. Plus, when exercise feels fun, we’re 300% more likely to stick with it long-term.

 

Remember, the best workout is the one you actually want to do. When movement feels like play, your nervous system relaxes, making it easier for your body to build strength, flexibility, and endurance naturally.

 

During menopause, fluctuating hormones can make stress feel more intense and recovery slower. But here’s fascinating news: genuine laughter triggers the same relaxation response as meditation, reduces hot flash intensity, and helps regulate mood swings. Laughter literally changes our brain chemistry, increasing feel-good neurotransmitters while decreasing stress hormones that can worsen menopausal symptoms.

 

The goal isn’t to dismiss the real challenges of menopause, but to remember that joy and laughter are powerful tools in your wellness toolkit. When we can find lightness amidst the changes, we’re better equipped to navigate this transition with grace and resilience.

 

This gem perfectly captures our theme! Gammage explores how adults can reclaim their natural capacity for play and wonder. She offers practical exercises to help us break free from the “serious adult” conditioning and rediscover the joy, creativity, and spontaneity that play brings to our lives. 

 

The book is filled with permission-giving wisdom about why play isn’t selfish – it’s essential for our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. A perfect companion for our journey back to joyful living.

 

Let your creativity run wild with this customizable, gut-friendly treat that’s perfect for our Play theme!   

 

Assembly Game: Set up a “parfait bar” and let everyone build their own creation. Layer ingredients in clear glasses or jars, making each one unique. The process becomes as as much fun as eating it!

 

Gut Health Benefits: The combination of probiotics from yogurt, fiber from berries, and healthy fats from nuts supports digestive health while the natural sweetness satisfies cravings without blood sugar spikes.

 

Freestyle: Try different flavor themes – tropical with coconut and mango, or fall-inspired with pumpkin yogurt and pecans. Let your taste buds play!

 

There’s pure joy captured in Renoir’s 1883 masterpiece showing a couple lost in dance at an outdoor café in Bougival. The woman in her pink dress and red bonnet whirls “deliciously abandoned” in her partner’s arms, their gloveless hands touching intimately as they move to music we can almost hear. 

 

The painting radiates the spontaneous pleasure of a summer afternoon, the kind of carefree moment where time stops and only joy exists. This is what play looks like – being completely present in a moment of pure delight, letting our bodies express what our hearts feel. Renoir reminds us that sometimes the most profound wellness practice is simply allowing ourselves to be swept away by life’s simple pleasures.