Then choose to replace those limiting beliefs with a new message that play is healing and essential to my health and wellbeing. When you repeat this encouraging affirmation regularly, you can actively transform your mindset and inspire you to give yourself permission to play.

It may also be helpful to create a list of ways you loved to play as a child. Maybe you adored swimming, playing ball, playing games, exploring in the forest, riding your bike, swinging, making up songs, dancing, having tea parties, playing with your friends at the park, blowing bubbles, skipping stones, and / or being creative.

Create a list of these playful activities and give yourself permission to play for five minutes every day to reinforce the importance of play in your life.

If you want to strengthen your self-nurturing practice of joy and play, engage in a glimmer practice.

They are the opposite of triggers, experiences that bring up negative emotions, as glimmers are uplifting and joyful.

While triggers can activate a fight-or-flight response in the brain, glimmers can calm your nervous system and promote a sense of safety and regulation.

The term“ glimmers” was coined by Deb Dana, a clinical social worker specializing in complex trauma. Dana notes that glimmers

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