Why We Play: How to find joy and meaning in everyday life

by Joanna Fortune

Discover how to reconnect with the child in you and unlock the transformative power of play to live a more joyful life.

Can you remember the utter delight of playing chase in the park, flying a kite in the summer breeze, or sinking your hands into a box of paints? As children, playing is how we make sense of the world and our place in it. Why then, as adults, do we forget how to play?

Drawing on over twenty years of neuroscientific research, psychotherapist Joanna Fortune has discovered that play is the key to living a happier and more meaningful life. She shares the social, emotional, and physical health benefits of why it’s so good for us, including how micro moments of joy to boost positive moodEmbrace wonderment to help unlock creativity and problem solvingFind the fun in your everyday to alleviate stressUse storytelling to heal from trauma and find emotional resilienceNurture a holiday state of mind to rest your brain and recharge Utilise simple techniques to repair and strengthen relationships
From the first blissful sip of freshly brewed coffee to an immune-boosting good laugh with close friends, this ground-breaking book shows how play is rooted in our daily experiences. With helpful insights, tips, and exercises, you’ll discover the tiny changes that will revolutionise your life and why you’re never too old for play.

Fans of Atomic Habits and Solve for Happy will love Why We Play.

Read what everyone is saying about Why We Play:

‘Brilliant… joyful and transformative.’ Stefanie Preissner

‘I absolutely adore this book and it was a such a treat to read.’ Goodreads reviewer, 5 stars

‘The author does a tremendous job at collating scientific data… I am amazed at the writing, it did not lag or lacked any substance. Amazing!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘I loved the mixture of scientific research and suggestions on how to play... a very accessible read and equally good to read through or just dip into the play suggestions… An excellent and important book that I'd recommend.’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘An excellent reference guide to how we can introduce play and fun into every aspect of our lives, including the workplace where “a curious mind is a playful mind”. The exercises are terrific!’ NetGalley reviewer, 5 stars

‘What I like most about the book are the many exercises you can try to play, either alone or with another person. I really enjoy being silly so some of her exercises already belong to my daily routine. Seeing even more ideas was very inspiring for me… I would recommend this book to everyone who might feel stuck in the seriousness of life and is looking for more joy as part of their daily routine.’ Victoria’s Vlog

‘A necessary book for those aiming to improve their day-to-day lives through something as easy as PLAY!’ Goodreads Reviewer

‘A great book… highly recommend.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2022

Reviews

[Bejinha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite being a good book, it falls into the same problem as all books on the matter: by dissecting play, the play dies and stops being fun.

[Kate Henderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

**Listened to the audio book**

This book started well, and I was really intrigued however the more it went on, the more waffly it became and I felt like it went further and further from the book's tittle (and sub title) that I just didn't quite understand what I was listening to anymore. Not sure what the point of the book was.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 therapeutic stars

“Will you take a risk on risk taking?”
“Play is for life.”

Fortune is coming from a therapeutic point of view. From the publisher: “Drawing on over twenty years of neuroscientific research and clinical practice, psychotherapist Joanna Fortune has discovered that play is central to the human experience - and is the key to living a happier, joyful life. With life-changing insights, tips, and exercises, she shares her proven approach.” Fortune suggests play activities for people who did not get to play much as a child and discusses learning to self-regulate emotions through play. She poses many questions about one’s childhood and parents regarding play.

Why We Play has much to offer, but I think the title is misleading. It is more about ACTIVITIES and QUESTIONS to find joy and meaning. I wasn’t expecting so much therapy with questions about alcohol, sex, drug use, and money. What she writes is important, the activities and questions are good, but because of Fortune’s (sometimes wordy) therapeutic viewpoint, the book has a serious nature to it. “Approached playfully, boredom is a mindful experience.” In my opinion, the book tries to do too much and the casual reader could be overwhelmed. It would be an excellent introduction and resource to play therapy for students going into that field!

Fortune includes many practical ideas for creating more fun/ play in your life. Some require simple toys such as a jump rope, chalk, ball, or hula-hoop, many others are word games that require imagination, paper, and pen. The resources section at the end includes many more creative play suggestions using simple or no materials.

“I hope you have read this book as an invitation to play. I wanted to provide practical ways in which you can flex your play muscles and get play-fit again by taking a chance on a new and sometimes silly way of doing things because play is spontaneous, chaotic, messy, relational … enables mistakes and stretches us a little beyond our so-called comfort zone.”

The author’s voice was warm and encouraging, easy to understand. I think the activities would be easier to follow in a print version, where one does not have to constantly pause the narrative to mentally answer the excellent questions posed. A print version can also be highlighted easier with activities one wants to come back to.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[James R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked out this book because I was interested in reading about how to be more playful in day to day life. While the book covers this it goes far deeper and looks at the psychology of play and made me think a lot about my childhood and early development. As someone who had a relatively happy childhood this was quite pleasant but I can imagine this may be a tricky read for anyone with unhappy childhood memories.

The book does a great job of making a case for bringing playfulness into your life and explains why play is important even for adults. This was an idea that I was already sympathetic to but even if I wasn't, I think the ideas and examples provided in the book would have changed my mind. I think the "play breaks" suggested are less helpful though as many of them are suggested activties that I would feel very awkward carrying out myself. They are just suggestions but an example I can remember was spinning on the spot three times every time you see a red car when walking about town. This seems like a quick way to get yourself sectioned and I would feel far too self-conscious to carry out that activity. Others are less awkward but still not the kind of thing I would find an enjoyable type of "play".

While I have reservations about the suggested play activities, I do agree with the general idea within the book that we should all play more and that it will provide us with all sorts of benefits to our wellbeing.

I thought the writing was good on the whole, it was easy clearly written and easy to follow. I didn't follow every suggested activity as I read along but after reading it I think I have had a more playful midset as I have gone about my day and I have felt the benefit of that.

[J Earl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why We Play by Joanna Fortune provides both the rationale behind the importance of play as well as paths toward developing more (and better?) playfulness.

I found the science behind play fascinating, and most of the exercises were things I tried or will try. Some, in fact, are similar to things I just do within the context of my normal (such as it is) life. I have had several people throughout my life tell me some variation of "if you played less you'd get so much more done," yet these people rarely complained about what I was getting done, they just thought that less play or being more serious would increase results. Almost every time I replied that no, I wouldn't get more done because I'd be miserable and just following rote procedures.

To this day I still regularly do a period of freewriting every week for 20 minutes. Usually with no prompts unless I am also using it to work through some ideas. Freewriting, for me, is a form of mental play that helps me see things in different ways. By not having rules about how or what I write, I may go off on a fantastical tangent, or I may find myself doing essentially free association. I am always surprised at how often I end up with things I can use, either new ways to look at problems I'm dealing with or ideas for new projects. Those projects don't always work out, but man are they fun!

I would recommend this to anyone who simply wants a more fulfilling life, but especially those for whom pain and/or trauma has robbed them of their joy.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

[Catie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a review of the audiobook version of this book.

I received an ARC of the audiobook of "Why We Play" by Joanna Fortune. The audiobook is read by the author, which I usually love because it gives an extra dimension to the reading as its their own work. However, in this situation, I don't feel that it added any value to the text. Joanna spoke slowly and her accent was often distracting to me. When I listen to audiobooks with a slower speaking narrator, I typically increase the playback speed, however, when I increased from 1x speed to 1.25x speed (the only next level available), I got a terrible echo on the playback that made it even more difficult to listen to the narrator.

I might have a different/higher rating had I read the text version of the book or had the opportunity for more flexibility with the playback speed (i.e. some audiobook programs allows variable speed adjustments so I might have been able to increase to 1.1x or 1.15x speed and not gotten the echo).

Overall, the concept of the book was great. There are a lot of exercises that Joanna walks you though during the book that I think I might have gotten more value from had I read the physical book (rather than listening to the audiobook as I typically listen to audiobooks while at work, driving in my car, or working out at the gym.)

[Saffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a therapist working with clients with chronic pain, I know how important play is to the healing process so was thrilled to read an early copy of Joanna Fortune's book.
The author begins by looking at the science of play and why it is so important to us and the role it has to play in our society moving forwards. She illustrates how important play is to our wellbeing, how it makes us more flexible, hopeful, adaptable and resilient- all these things have a positive impact on our wellbeing and our mental health. The author goes on to look at how we can change the stories we live by and how to bring more play into our relationships and the workplace.
I loved the mixture of scientific research and suggestions on how to play in this book and I feel that it's going to be a really useful reference book for me in the future. It's a very accessible read and equally good to read through or just dip into the play suggestions. There's also a helpful appendix with more suggestions for play.
As someone who personally can find the concept of play challenging, I feel that the author's work has illustrated further to me the importance of play, what might be holding me back from play and how I can begin to bring it into my life in small ways that work for me.
An excellent and important book that I'd recommend.

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why We Play is not my usual kind of book, but I thought it would be good to try something a bit different and this appealed to me. I found this book to be a fascinating insight into 'play', including the science behind it, why it is important and HOW we can go about implementing it into our everyday lives.

Firstly, I always love it when an audiobook is narrated by the author, as it gives it so much more meaning. I found Joanna to be passionate and knowledgeable about her subject and with a voice that was very easy to listen to. I really liked that the book was a good balance between science, case studies and suggestions. I feel that this may be better as a physical book as there were some exercises to do that I struggled with as I was listening whilst driving for example.

Overall, a really interesting read and I am looking forward to adding some more 'play' into my everyday!

My thanks to NetGalley and the Publishers for sending me this ARC in return for an honest review.

[Catherine Craig (Angelic Light) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book by a psychotherapist, in which she shares with us how play is the best tool we can use to help us live a happier and more meaningful life. She goes over topics such as practicing moments of joy, embracing wonderment, finding fun in our everyday life, using storytelling, nurturing a holiday state of mind and utilising relationship techniques. She shows us how we can look at everything we are doing each day, and being more playful like a child, rather than feeling so stressed. Children know how to play, and we can look to them to show us how we can connect with our own inner child, in order for us to be more playful, and therefore we can feel more joy and wonder in our lives.

I really enjoyed this book a lot, and I have already used some of the techniques from it, which worked well for me. I loved the narrator's accent (she is also the author), and her voice was so lovely.

I highly recommend this book, which will appeal to anyone who wishes to better themselves.

Many thanks to the author, publisher, narrator and NetGalley for this book.

[Diane Hernandez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why We Play explains why play is still necessary for adults. It includes exercises to get some short play sessions into your life.

Even though I play video and mobile games every day, a few more ideas are always welcome. I particularly liked Scribble Art. Take a plain piece of paper and a pencil. Close your eyes and scribble for a few minutes with your non-dominant hand. Open your eyes and turn the paper 180 degrees. Try to draw a picture using your scribbles. It reminded me of seeing objects in clouds, which I haven’t done since I was a child.

Even if Scribble Art is not for you, each chapter contains several more exercises to practice having fun. Overall, Why We Play is a useful book to regenerate the playfulness and creativeness that many of us lost as we grew up. 4 stars!

Thanks to Thread Books and NetGalley for a digital review copy of the book.

[Denis St-Michel · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have the unpleasant feeling of having been cheated with this book. The title let me predict that we were going to explore, almost scientifically, the nature of playing and its effects on the psyche.

Instead, we are presented with activities that often have little to do with "playing". The writing severely lacks direction and structure. There is a lot of repetition, sometimes almost word for word.

every time I see a blue car,Maybe I'm too conventional, but no, I won't jump and do a 360 in the air when I see a blue car as I walk on the street, as the author recommends. Nor will I take a break from work at the office to encourage my colleagues to cut out photos of people and animals from magazines and swap their faces for each other, as a group, to form better connections.

This book disappointed me a lot, I had high hopes!

[Kirsty Blackburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Can we move from an all work no play attitude?”

A post covid reminder to find the joy in playing. The questions asked in the exercises offer time to self reflect and think about where in your life you can make time for play. While some of us may feel a little silly “playing” this book invites you to embrace all things play, with scientific facts that prove how important it is. A ménage et tois of scientific facts, psychological exercises and space to self reflect and remind ourselves about all the good parts of life.

Following post covid, current cost of living, general fatigue of being a human; everyone should read/ listen to this book and remember how important it is to play.

“Play is for life”

[Shanna Lennon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that reminds and encourages you to seek out those things that give you pleasure and gives you the science and theories to back up why it’s so important! Really non judgemental in terms of what play is and whether this already comes naturally to you or not. I ‘read it with my ears’ aka audiobook and although the author doesn’t have the flow of someone who does audiobooks as their job it felt authentic. I enjoyed the tone and approach the author has to those who may not have had as many opportunities to play as children and the acknowledgment of the difficulties of embedding any new practice into your life. I have bought copies and Recommended this book to so many people already!

[Erica Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be incredibly interesting. I assumed it would be geared towards a parenting perspective, which it touched upon, but more it aimed at encouraging play in adults. I found her insights helpful. intriguing, and thought-provoking. I listened to this book on audio but would love to read it in print to take advantage of the "play break" prompts and worksheets included. Play is invaluable and I will take these lessons with me as a mother and as an individual.

A necessary book for those aiming to improve their day-to-day lives through something as easy as PLAY!

[Bookwormbadger · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the audiobook and found it absolutely fascinating. The author is a psychotherapist and explains how we as adults can incorporate play into our daily lives and why this is so important. She gives many tips and some more generalised lifestyle advice relating to work, relationships, parenting and so on. The audiobook is narrated by the author and I enjoyed her gentle, calm voice.
Very interesting and worthwhile book.

[Bheni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Embracing your inner child

Ms Joanna Fortune in her book "Why we play", teaches you how to embrace the child within all of us. A beautiful written book full of ideas, is not only informative but insightful too.
It encourages us to play, to take time off to do and be silly.
Suitable for anyone looking for ways to slow down in our ever fast moving world.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a great reminder to how important play is, throughout your entire life. It was a bit slow at times but overall the author gave great information. I enjoyed that she put “play breaks” and have prompts for different kinds of play.

[Jess Roueche · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you feel daily stress consumes your life or you are struggling to find joy, this book is amazing. There are soo many tips and tricks on incorporating playfulness into your day and why it's important Trauma informed and helpful.

[Sonia Saada · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read! Offers great insight into the importance of play in both adult and childhood. It also offers practical play breaks which encourage the reader to take 5 minutes out of the work day to participate in easy, fun and playful activities.

[Amber Latif · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous listen this time/I loved the authors relaxing yet authorities voice and found myself doing the exercises she shared.
A value book for our times where we need to make time to Play!

[Shantal Collins]

to-read

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, and bits of it were really good, but a lot of it felt kinda naff.
Obviously not what I should be reading at the moment :)
Eventually I'll break my reading drought.

[Jocelyne M-G · Rating 2 out of 5]

i love the idea of being more playful in our adult lives - it’s a philosophy i live by, but this should have been an essay, not a 256 page book. very repetitive, disjointed, and tangential.

[Tracy Plane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enlightening. 3.5 stars.

[Imanta Nīgale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Straight forward, easy read about the importance of play in adult life, but a bit too general and repetitive. I liked the exercises and will be returning to them as needed.

[Ashton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Work hard play harder, This book and the ideas in this book should be understood and practiced by everyone. I believe we would live in a much happier world if people knew it was acceptable to play. Even to play at work. I would not survive my life if I couldn't joke and laugh and be a human in the hardest parts of my life. After my grandmother died, I remember my whole family sitting in the lobby of the hospital and we were all just laughing hysterically (and cry of course) at our memories. I don't really think there's an inappropriate time for play. I think play is how we survive the hardest things of life and when we don't allow ourselves to because of propriety or societal norm, we devastate ourselves. This book is a really good way to teach you healthy ways to allow yourself to play while respecting your responsibilities. Definitely worth a read. Thank you #netgalley for the chance to read this book in advance.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

„Why we play“ explains why it is not only important to play in childhood and adolescence but why it is vital to stay playful as an adult. The usual attitude towards silliness as an adult is that it is only for people who don’t take themselves seriously, however, Joanna explains the benefits of a playful mindset not only for our mental health, and our resilience but also for our work life. What I like most about the book are the many exercises you can try to play, either alone or with another person. I really enjoy being silly so some of her exercises already belong to my daily routine 😅 Seeing even more ideas was very inspiring for me. The only little minus point regarding the book is that I would have wished for a more scientific approach - I love reading about studies. But I think this is just a personal preference. I would recommend this book to everyone who might feel stuck in the seriousness of life and is looking for more joy as part of their daily routine.

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.