New in Resilience Research: The Power of Playfulness in Stress Recovery

According to recent research out of Oregon State University, embracing a playful mindset, what they've called “lemonading” (i.e., turning sour moments into playful ones), can significantly enhance resilience, especially during stressful periods, like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here's what the science shows:

Play boosts creativity and optimism. Engaging in light hearted, playful activities helps shift perspectives and opens doors to creative solutions
It builds adaptive coping skills. Being playful allows us to reframe challenges as opportunities for growth rather than sources of threat
It reinforces social connection. Playfulness often happens in groups and laughter or shared fun strengthens our social resilience

This week, try to approach a challenging moment with a playful mindset. It could be:

Turning a daily chore into a silly dance break
Making a game out of a difficult conversation
Checking in with a friend and sharing a “silliness swap” - one of you tells a joke, the other responds with a funny story

Let’s remind each other that resilience isn’t just about strength - it’s about flexibility, creativity, and finding unexpected joy along the way.

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