04 Sep Why You Should Read Your Favorite Childhood Book As An Adult

Once a month we’d like to encourage you to take a break from your everyday routine and let loose! So, in the spirit of fun we’ll be sharing our adventurous play nuggets, or pluggets, that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

This month’s plugget is a great way to reunite with that sense of wonder you felt as a kid when you cracked open your favorite childhood book and roamed free inside the pages.

In honor of National Read A Book Day on September 6^th we’d like to encourage you to dust off your favorite childhood book and give it another read. Try and recall the magic that brought that special story to life for you. Whatever your book, see if you can reconnect with the subject matter and then go live out an activity that is aligned with the themes.

Go on a spontaneous adventure like Stuart Little or spend your day with an old friend like Charlotte and Wilbur in Charlotte’s Web. If you’re pressed for time sneak away from the desk and grab a candy bar and a lottery ticket in the spirit of Willie Wonka. At the very least, you can channel your inner Pooh Bear and drip some honey in your tea! Let your imagination run wild.

Just in case there’s that curmudgeon sitting on your shoulder scoffing at the thought of such silliness, here are 3 very grown-up reasons why play is good for adults.

1. It Releases Stress

Play reduces the stress hormone cortisol and releases those light-hearted endorphins that help alleviate anxiety, cheer up your mood, and make you feel young again!

2. It Increases Productivity

Play helps generate creativity, which can lead to more flexible thinking, better problem solving ability, and higher productivity.

3. It Attracts the Opposite Sex!

A study by Penn State University showed that out of 16 possible traits that people find attractive in members of the opposite sex, playfulness ranked 4^th!

There you have it! Now grab that old book and run outside and play. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to thank the kid you once were for picking it up in the first place.