The Radical Act of Playing in Nature: Reclaiming Your Wild Self
As children, the outside was full of possibilities. A fallen branch could be a sword. A puddle, something to jump into. A forest, somewhere to play hide and seek. We were curious, creative and playful in nature. We didn’t use the outdoors, we were of the outdoors.
Somewhere between early adolescence and the umpteenth appraisal at work, that script got lost.
The call towards productivity, the demands of modern life, and the rigid expectations of "wellness" took over at some point. We are told to go to the gym three times a week, hit 10,000 steps, master yoga, be perfectly mindful, be the ideal parent, be the perfect partner and maintain an active social life. In a world of arbitrary yard sticks set by corporate machines, a world of smart watches, a world of guilt inducing social media influencers we forget something…adults need play too.
The Trap of Optimisation
We have become conditioned to believe that, if our actions don’t have a measurable output (calories burned, followers gained, rings closed) then it’s a waste of our time. Even time in nature becomes a backdrop in which we feel the need to achieve goals. When we consider ‘rewilding’ ourselves we can flip this script. We can accept invitations to reclaim the outdoors as a place for curiosity, spontaneity, and fun.
The Science of Playfulness
Research in neuroscience and psychology demonstrates that unstructured and joyful movement activates the brains rewards system by releasing dopamine and reduces stress related hormones, such as cortisol. Adult play boosts creativity and problem-solving ability by strengthening connections in the prefrontal cortex, the area responsible for flexible thinking and planning.
A study in Frontiers in Psychology (2017) found that adults engaging in playful activities reported higher levels of life satisfaction and emotional resilience. Even short bouts of playful movement (like skipping, climbing, or tag) can lower anxiety and improve mood, proving that the brain responds to fun the same way it does in childhood.
But nature can amplify these effects. While playing anywhere is beneficial, spending time in natural environments lowers blood pressure, strengthens immune function, and calms the nervous system. Nature also engages our senses in ways that screens and concrete rarely do.
Ways to Rewild Yourself
You don’t need a remote wilderness to start. Here are science-backed ways to bring adult play into your life:
Climb, jump, and balance: Physical challenges improve coordination, proprioception, and muscular fitness.
Run barefoot or hike: Varied terrain strengthens foot muscles, improves balance, and reconnects you with sensory feedback.
Swim in natural water: Cold-water immersion can boost circulation, improve mood, and reduce inflammation.
Invent games: Cooperative or competitive play with others increases oxytocin and strengthens social bonds.
Create in nature: Engage in ephemeral art: arrange leaves, stones, sticks, or flowers into patterns, mandalas, or sculptures that exist only for a moment. This playful, impermanent creativity stimulates both hemispheres of the brain and deepens your connection to the present.
Engage your senses: Observing wildlife, tracking animals, or stargazing sharpens attention and reinforces a sense of awe, which is linked to psychological well-being.
Your Permission Slip to Play
Consider this your official permission slip: You are allowed. No, encouraged, to go outside with no agenda, no productivity goal, and no expectation other than to play. Leave the step counts, dog walks, and curb-appeal gardening aside for a little while. Climb that tree. Wade in the water. Arrange leaves into a mandala. Chase your shadow. Laugh at yourself. Use your imagination. Let yourself be fully present in the joy of movement, discovery, and wonder.