In Gretchen Rubin’s book Life in Five Senses, she went to the Metropolitan Institute of Art in New York every day. At the end of the book, she compared her daily trips to childhood recess.
She found recess (and her trips to the Met) times in her life that sparked imagination.
My Story
As I read this, my mind went to my neighborhood walks and the ideas I get when I’m not actively working – on professional or household activities.
The ideas that emerge during the walks come back to benefit my work and my home.
A breakthrough on a tough work problem that I haven’t been able to figure out.
An interesting idea to explore for a blog post.
A thought on how to rearrange a room or reduce clutter.
A million other things.
My Perspective
Our lives are busy and often scheduled down to the minute.
From meetings all day at work to personal commitments that start as soon as the workday ends.
Maybe work needs to schedule in recess for employees.
What if there were no meetings allowed during certain times of day and recess was enforced?
Here are the benefits documented for children’s recess that I believe equally apply to adults:
Autonomy: Recess is a break from the structure and expectations of school – children can take control of their world for a short period of time. – National Association for the Education of Young Children
Stress Reduction: Unstructured play is a developmentally appropriate means of reducing stress. – NAEYC
Creativity: Recess allows time to rest, play, imagine, think, move, and socialize. These activities can encourage creativity and problem solving. – Sibley B, Etnier J. Pediatrics Exercise Science, 2003.
Productivity: Several studies demonstrate that recess made children more attentive and productive when they return to the classroom. – Jarrett, O.J. Education Research, 1998.
Your Turn
Do you think recess at work could help adults?
How might you intentionally schedule your own recess in the day?
What activities might you take on during your daily recess?