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All Work No Play: A Surprising Guide to Feeling More Mindful, Grateful and Cheerful
Explore effective strategies to improve your mental health, and the health of your colleagues and employees, with this engaging and practical book All Work No A Surprising Guide to Feeling More Mindful, Grateful and Cheerful is a practical and rewarding handbook for reconnecting with joy and happiness daily. The book shares strategies for play-based mindfulness, empathy, and gratitude exercises that will help readers rediscover their inner child; promote good mental health; build and foster more meaningful connections with others; and help combat loneliness and deep-rooted toxic behaviors and thoughts. You’ll learn Perfect for anyone who hopes to improve their ability to take joy and happiness from their daily routines, All Work No Play is also ideal for businesses who wish to improve the health and wellbeing of their employees and colleagues.
- GenresNonfiction
224 pages, Paperback
Published April 26, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 20, 2021
All Work and No Play was narrated by Grant Cartwright written by Dale Sidebottom. 224 pages, it isn’t very long and there isn’t any thing earth shattering about it either. He talks of his life and how he ended up wanting to share this concept, while all the time encouraging and suggesting we don’t forget to embrace our playfulness. (My words). I thought this was just ok and some things were very helpful but I thought it could of….. IDK, put together better? Just my opinion.
Thanks Gildan Media via Netgalley.
Thanks Gildan Media via Netgalley.
July 31, 2021
A mix of biography, marketing, and good self-help advice, this book takes a non-standard approach to mindfulness but I think the advice and lessons in incorporating play and games o work and school life are generally good. The author does do a little too much shilling for his apps, but his descriptions of games and clear and I could see doing these things with family or at work with a minimum of cringing.
August 22, 2021
Well, I dunno about green bananas but being curious always pays.
Some of the game stuff does usually feel like incessant gamification of me right out of my sweet mind.
Some of the game stuff does usually feel like incessant gamification of me right out of my sweet mind.
December 22, 2023
I’ve heard this theory of play based learning and creativity before, but this book gives actual examples of how to implement the habits daily. Enjoyed reading it.
Read
October 18, 2021Play is an integral part of human life – and not just during childhood. As adults, when we tune into our sense of play and take the steps to integrate it into our daily lives, the world starts to look different. We lighten up. We smile and laugh more. We form deeper bonds with people. And we reconnect with what matters most in life.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Try the Evolution game.
Next time you’re in a group of people who don’t know one another very well, provide an opportunity for play and connection with the Evolution game. Everyone starts as an egg on the ground and pairs off for a round of rock-paper-scissors. The winner evolves into a chicken, and the loser remains an egg. In the next round, eggs pair against other eggs, chickens against chickens. The chicken who wins evolves into a monster, while the chicken who loses reverts back to an egg. The game ends when the first monster wins, evolving into a human. It’s totally silly – and guaranteed to have the whole room laughing.
---
Play boosts your mental health and helps you be more present.
Midway through the half-marathon, Dale’s friend and colleague Dr. Craig Daly was slowing down. While he’d done all the necessary training, he’d failed to pace himself in the first half, and now his body hurt. He lay down in some grass beside the road and wondered if he could even finish.
Then he heard a familiar voice: “Ganbatte-ne, Craig-san! You can do it!” It was Sato-san, the smiling, gray-haired Japanese man who Craig had met earlier that day. Something about Sato-san’s words and demeanor lifted Craig’s spirits, and he picked himself up and got back in the race.
But something had changed. He was no longer fixated on his performance. Instead, he enjoyed the views of Australia’s Gold Coast as he ran. Time started flying by, and when he finished, Craig discovered that he had run the race in a personal best time.
The key message here is: Play boosts your mental health and helps you be more present.
It wasn’t just Sato-san’s positive encouragement that gave Craig such a boost; it was also his infectious, playful mindset. Adopting it for himself, Craig immediately felt an improvement in his mood and found himself able to slip completely into the moment. And no wonder – these are proven ways that play benefits our minds. Engaging in activities that are fun and joyful relieves stress and improves your mood by releasing endorphins and dopamine.
Play also supports brain function by preventing memory problems and fostering creativity. In fact, we learn new tasks more easily when they’re fun and engaging, and when we’re in a relaxed state.
In his own experience, Dale Sidebottom has come to think of play as a form of mindfulness because it helps him to let go and be completely in the moment. Researchers refer to this as a flow state, and it’s what Dr. Daly experienced during his race when he finally let go and discovered the pleasure of running.
When you’re in the flow state that is play, you’re focused on the task and aren’t worrying about things like your growing to-do list. You can stay present and really enjoy the moment.
That’s why Dale coined the term play-based mindfulness, which is a powerful approach to living. It’s a set of practices that help bring the well-being benefits of play and mindfulness into your life.
And here’s some more actionable advice:
Try the Evolution game.
Next time you’re in a group of people who don’t know one another very well, provide an opportunity for play and connection with the Evolution game. Everyone starts as an egg on the ground and pairs off for a round of rock-paper-scissors. The winner evolves into a chicken, and the loser remains an egg. In the next round, eggs pair against other eggs, chickens against chickens. The chicken who wins evolves into a monster, while the chicken who loses reverts back to an egg. The game ends when the first monster wins, evolving into a human. It’s totally silly – and guaranteed to have the whole room laughing.
---
Play boosts your mental health and helps you be more present.
Midway through the half-marathon, Dale’s friend and colleague Dr. Craig Daly was slowing down. While he’d done all the necessary training, he’d failed to pace himself in the first half, and now his body hurt. He lay down in some grass beside the road and wondered if he could even finish.
Then he heard a familiar voice: “Ganbatte-ne, Craig-san! You can do it!” It was Sato-san, the smiling, gray-haired Japanese man who Craig had met earlier that day. Something about Sato-san’s words and demeanor lifted Craig’s spirits, and he picked himself up and got back in the race.
But something had changed. He was no longer fixated on his performance. Instead, he enjoyed the views of Australia’s Gold Coast as he ran. Time started flying by, and when he finished, Craig discovered that he had run the race in a personal best time.
The key message here is: Play boosts your mental health and helps you be more present.
It wasn’t just Sato-san’s positive encouragement that gave Craig such a boost; it was also his infectious, playful mindset. Adopting it for himself, Craig immediately felt an improvement in his mood and found himself able to slip completely into the moment. And no wonder – these are proven ways that play benefits our minds. Engaging in activities that are fun and joyful relieves stress and improves your mood by releasing endorphins and dopamine.
Play also supports brain function by preventing memory problems and fostering creativity. In fact, we learn new tasks more easily when they’re fun and engaging, and when we’re in a relaxed state.
In his own experience, Dale Sidebottom has come to think of play as a form of mindfulness because it helps him to let go and be completely in the moment. Researchers refer to this as a flow state, and it’s what Dr. Daly experienced during his race when he finally let go and discovered the pleasure of running.
When you’re in the flow state that is play, you’re focused on the task and aren’t worrying about things like your growing to-do list. You can stay present and really enjoy the moment.
That’s why Dale coined the term play-based mindfulness, which is a powerful approach to living. It’s a set of practices that help bring the well-being benefits of play and mindfulness into your life.
October 18, 2021
Blinkist
I really like the morning advice.
Many adults think they don’t have time for play. For years, Dale thought the word “busy” was a badge of honor. But busyness won’t bring happiness. So isn’t it time to slow down and reconnect with the things that bring us joy?
To help him do exactly that, Dale developed a daily practice centered around Play, Exercise, Gratitude and Giving – or PEGG for short.
The key message here is: A ritual of play, exercise, gratitude, and giving can bring play-based mindfulness into each day.
Dale recommends you start every morning and finish every evening with the following simple routine.
To start, make your bed. Why? Because it’s an easy win, and it feels great to accomplish something so early. Then drink half a liter of water; it’s hydrating and good for your brain.
Next, sit down with your morning coffee or breakfast, and answer three questions: “What am I excited about today?”; “What will challenge me today?”; and “How can I surprise somebody today with an act of kindness?” This third question is about the practice of Giving. Brightening someone’s day and making them feel special will make you feel really good.
Once you’ve answered all three questions, get up and spend ten minutes doing some Exercise. Go for a walk, do some push-ups, or dance around the kitchen. Moving your body will help wake you up and give you a rush of endorphins.
Finally, finish the morning with presence and calm by practicing simple breathing exercises or a few minutes of meditation. There are many phone apps that offer guidance if you’re unsure about the process.
Now you can go about your regular day! And once it’s all behind you, Dale recommends capping the evening off with three more reflection questions.
First up: “What are three things I’m grateful for?” This is the practice of Gratitude, and it’ll help you foster appreciation for life and the people around you. The second question is, “What form of play did I do today and how did it make me feel?” This is to ensure you made time for Play, the foundation of the practice. Third, ask, “What did I learn today?” This question will help you embrace the fact that you’re always growing.
So there you go! A simple daily ritual to help you incorporate play-based mindfulness into your life.
I really like the morning advice.
Many adults think they don’t have time for play. For years, Dale thought the word “busy” was a badge of honor. But busyness won’t bring happiness. So isn’t it time to slow down and reconnect with the things that bring us joy?
To help him do exactly that, Dale developed a daily practice centered around Play, Exercise, Gratitude and Giving – or PEGG for short.
The key message here is: A ritual of play, exercise, gratitude, and giving can bring play-based mindfulness into each day.
Dale recommends you start every morning and finish every evening with the following simple routine.
To start, make your bed. Why? Because it’s an easy win, and it feels great to accomplish something so early. Then drink half a liter of water; it’s hydrating and good for your brain.
Next, sit down with your morning coffee or breakfast, and answer three questions: “What am I excited about today?”; “What will challenge me today?”; and “How can I surprise somebody today with an act of kindness?” This third question is about the practice of Giving. Brightening someone’s day and making them feel special will make you feel really good.
Once you’ve answered all three questions, get up and spend ten minutes doing some Exercise. Go for a walk, do some push-ups, or dance around the kitchen. Moving your body will help wake you up and give you a rush of endorphins.
Finally, finish the morning with presence and calm by practicing simple breathing exercises or a few minutes of meditation. There are many phone apps that offer guidance if you’re unsure about the process.
Now you can go about your regular day! And once it’s all behind you, Dale recommends capping the evening off with three more reflection questions.
First up: “What are three things I’m grateful for?” This is the practice of Gratitude, and it’ll help you foster appreciation for life and the people around you. The second question is, “What form of play did I do today and how did it make me feel?” This is to ensure you made time for Play, the foundation of the practice. Third, ask, “What did I learn today?” This question will help you embrace the fact that you’re always growing.
So there you go! A simple daily ritual to help you incorporate play-based mindfulness into your life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2021
Dale Sidebottom has built a life rooted in play. By incorporating play and games into all aspects of his life, from personal to professional, Sidebottom has found a way to seize happiness in the ordinary and mundane. His book All Work No Play focuses on just that - discovering ways to incorporate play into your daily activities to lead a more fulfilling and happier life.
Going into this book, I didn't realize that the advice given was going to be play/game-based. I likely wouldn't have read this book knowing that, but it was interesting nonetheless. The book is filled with anecdotes from Sidebottom's life and work experiences, and demonstrates how he has used play to make his life better. Examples are given for both one's personal life, as well as for incorporating more "fun" into the work setting.
A main focal point of All Work No Play is the acronym "PIG." Sidebottom encourages everyone to start their day by looking forward to the challenges of the day, thinking about what might be a challenge that day, and discovering ways to make someone's day better. Sidebottom professes that if a person adopts the PIG tool, they will lead a happier life.
I think that All Work No Play would work best for leaders in the work setting. I liked Sidebottoms strategies for making workplace meetings and icebreaker events more fun and meaningful to the participants. As for my personal life, I can't see myself incorporating Sidebottom's games into my daily routine (one included challenging yourself to jump out and scare as many people as possible in one day), I did play some of them as a child bored in school growing up. Which is perhaps Sidebottom's point ... that we have lost the art of play and need to find it.
I listened to an audiobook of this book, which I do recommend. The narrator was pleasing, and the book flowed well in audio format. However, it does seems as if there were some physical examples presented in the book that I didn't have access to being that I listened to it.
Going into this book, I didn't realize that the advice given was going to be play/game-based. I likely wouldn't have read this book knowing that, but it was interesting nonetheless. The book is filled with anecdotes from Sidebottom's life and work experiences, and demonstrates how he has used play to make his life better. Examples are given for both one's personal life, as well as for incorporating more "fun" into the work setting.
A main focal point of All Work No Play is the acronym "PIG." Sidebottom encourages everyone to start their day by looking forward to the challenges of the day, thinking about what might be a challenge that day, and discovering ways to make someone's day better. Sidebottom professes that if a person adopts the PIG tool, they will lead a happier life.
I think that All Work No Play would work best for leaders in the work setting. I liked Sidebottoms strategies for making workplace meetings and icebreaker events more fun and meaningful to the participants. As for my personal life, I can't see myself incorporating Sidebottom's games into my daily routine (one included challenging yourself to jump out and scare as many people as possible in one day), I did play some of them as a child bored in school growing up. Which is perhaps Sidebottom's point ... that we have lost the art of play and need to find it.
I listened to an audiobook of this book, which I do recommend. The narrator was pleasing, and the book flowed well in audio format. However, it does seems as if there were some physical examples presented in the book that I didn't have access to being that I listened to it.
November 6, 2023
Pros: Simple, easy to read. Good to give friends who are taking work and life a bit too seriously and it’s affecting their health. The author has a fairly solid daily ritual in there which is really all you need: PEGG: play, exercise, gratitude, giving. It’s a good ritual.
Cons: 1) I found it a bit entitled coming from a white middle upper class sportsman with a lot of money, privilege, very few physical/mental health problems. Not disputing his reality, but his dark place or rock bottom he described was really one adverse life event negative thoughts and falling back on his parents for six months when he got divorced. A lot of people have several big ones they have to deal with and this book won’t even remotely cut that. It’s easy to be grateful and giving when you’re fairly privileged to begin with.
2) The author doesn’t have a lot of research clout. He quotes from too many non-experts even at one point extensively quoting a journalist Sharper who was reporting about a professor’s work. And non of the practices are in a structure that would make it evidence based, it’s anecdotal (what worked for the author).
3) Structure could be better, a lot of repetition without too much to say.
Cons: 1) I found it a bit entitled coming from a white middle upper class sportsman with a lot of money, privilege, very few physical/mental health problems. Not disputing his reality, but his dark place or rock bottom he described was really one adverse life event negative thoughts and falling back on his parents for six months when he got divorced. A lot of people have several big ones they have to deal with and this book won’t even remotely cut that. It’s easy to be grateful and giving when you’re fairly privileged to begin with.
2) The author doesn’t have a lot of research clout. He quotes from too many non-experts even at one point extensively quoting a journalist Sharper who was reporting about a professor’s work. And non of the practices are in a structure that would make it evidence based, it’s anecdotal (what worked for the author).
3) Structure could be better, a lot of repetition without too much to say.
July 17, 2021
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but this was a bit different than I expected it to be. However, that it is not necessarily a bad thing. Dale is such an interesting individual and I love how he tries to infuse play, jokes, and happiness into the common work day. He even describes many games he has used in a corporate setting, in large groups, to help break the ice and help people loosen up. The book also has a heavy emphasis on gratitude and mindfulness. While I did not find all of it particularly relevant to me, I thought it was an intriguing short read and it taught some fun ways to improve relationships and reframe the reader's mindset to be more positive and lighthearted. I listened to an audio ARC and also really enjoyed the narrator.
June 20, 2021
Read this book for a work assignment, and it was very disappointing. While I think Dale Sidebottom has very relevant personal and professional experience in bringing play into the lives of adults, and I was compelled by his idea of 'play-based mindfulness,' he just doesn't have the research and writing chops to pull this book off. He relies heavily on directly quoting other people, who while experts in some areas of the book, demonstrate that they aren't really best qualified to be speaking on other aspects. Dale's personal story is interesting, and it's a quick read, but otherwise I don't think you'll learn much.
October 17, 2021
In one line - Play the work~
October 18, 2021
Its kind of different book in today world gives a new perspective that is what i like about it and its true as well truly a good read
November 14, 2021
This has quite a bit of good advice. I'd recommend it since in today's world, there are far too many depressed people and more positivity is never a bad thing.
August 4, 2022
The book you didn’t know you needed to read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews