Researchers have found that individuals with a more positive outlook on life and high levels of “playfulness” navigated the COVID-19 pandemic better than those who were less playful.
According to study leader Xiangyou “Sharon” Shen, people who exhibited playfulness excelled at creating moments of joy even in difficult circumstances. They engaged in more creative problem-solving, managed challenging situations, and maintained a strong sense of control over their responses.
Playfulness is an underappreciated resource for building resilience and maintaining well-being during difficult periods, according to Shen. Developing this characteristic can inform interventions and strategies to help people cope with stress and uncertainty.
Research suggests that playfulness doesn’t distort reality but rather enhances it. Regularly setting aside time for play can be instrumental in providing a safe space to express and practice playfulness. Even just 5-10 minutes of daily “play” can make a meaningful difference.
The study, which involved over 500 U.S. adults, found that those with higher levels of playfulness shared similar perceptions of risk but demonstrated greater optimism when envisioning future possibilities. This is particularly relevant as we face increasing global challenges that require realistic assessment and creative adaptation.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/positive-people-covid-better-others-new-study