Years ago, I decided my wellness building blocks were missing an important piece that I then added: Play. Even more, perhaps, than the other areas, we need to be shown that play matters. Plus we, unfortunately, often need someone to give us permission or a reason to embrace play. Trust that zero play does not — cannot — equal a live well life.

This is a whole life approach. I’m not only looking at nutrition and movement — though they definitely count — I incorporate a range of areas to help show you what you specifically need to work on in order to insure great health. Most likely, some of these building blocks are solidly in place in your life. (Want to know? Contact me. I have an assessment that shows this.) You’re doing great there; you don’t need to do a thing more. But other blocks, perhaps play, are sorely lacking. And that doesn’t work. You need them all. Pull out a block or two, and you have a pretty wobbly foundation for health.

Moments of silliness, joyfulness, playfulness and laughter all combine to make life more fun. But that’s not all. With that comes these potential health benefits:

• A boost in your mood, which most likely will put you on track to doing other things to take care of your health.
• A decrease in stress hormones.
• Improved oxygen flow to the brain.
• Relief of physical pain.
• Lowered blood pressure.
• A stronger immune system.
• An increase in blood flow, which helps protect your heart.

I don’t want you to sigh and put play as another to do on your overburdened list. Just allow it to occur naturally. How? If playfulness is something you stored away with your high school yearbook, look here for inspiration:

•   Your pets (or other people’s). Pets are play defined. They don’t stop and think about it, figure out what makes sense, decide if it fits their schedule, then make a spreadsheet on how to do it most effectively. When I first moved into my old home, I had a guy in to clean the fireplace. He spread a big sheet over the floor to catch the dirt, then went out to get the rest of the things he needed. My senior cat, Lexie, made the best use out of that sheet. She dove on it, rolled around on it, just had a heck of a good time. I had to laugh – and explain – when the guy came back in and saw his sheet all jumbled up. She seized the moment and made the best use out of it. Then went off and returned to looking all dignified and stuff.

•   Babies and young children. See above. They know how to play and relish it. No worries about belly laughs or making funny faces or enjoying an empty box. And, so you don’t feel so awkward at first, you can join them in the pretense that you’re just trying to be a nice parent/aunt/uncle/grandparent/friend.

•   Clerks, waitresses and other customer service type people. Try being playful with them; it’s interesting. And hugely worth it. I love seeing people perk up if I engage in some playful banter with them or if I am able to turn a frowning, crabby clerk into a smiling one. I’m sure it makes their days a lot better; it definitely improves my day; and it’s a great way to practice your playfulness.

•   Throw a snowball. Put on funny glasses. Watch a movie that is laugh out loud funny. Let loose. Let go. Do what restores you to kidhood.

Whatever it takes to allow you to laugh, feel lighthearted, feel joyful for a time … give yourself permission and time to do it.