Playful - How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks

A designer, educator, and play expert calls for adults to add more fun, exploration, and imagination to their lives We’re all born playful. But when we grow up, we learn to suppress this critical, hardwired instinct and our lives become ruled by “getting things done.” As world-famous designer Cas Holman explains, this disconnection from our playful selves is hazardous to everything from our emotional wellbeing to our ability to problem solve and innovate. The emerging science of play shows that it sparks joy, wonder, creativity, and insight at any age.; Here, Holman explains the power of “free play” through open-ended, unstructured activities that we become absorbed in with no obvious goal or purpose. The ways we can play are endless and what recharges us most is unique to each of us: whether it’s a piece of art we create, an entertaining conversation with a stranger, or an experiment to shake up a routine task. Weaving in inspiring stories and eye-opening research, Holman shows us that adopting a playful mindset is crucial in helping us:

Product details

• Authors: Lydia Denworth, Cas Holman
• Publisher: Avery Publishing Group
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Release: 21.10.2025
• EAN: 9780593713402
• ISBN: 978-0-593-71340-2
• No. of pages: 288
• Dimensions: 140 mm x 210 mm x 18 mm
• Assisted by: Lydia Denworth
• Subjects: Guides > Self-help, everyday life > Lifestyle, personal development; SELF-HELP / Personal Growth / Happiness, BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Motivational, SELF-HELP / Creativity, Self-help & personal development, Management: leadership & motivation, Management: leadership and motivation, Memory improvement & thinking techniques, Self-help, personal development and practical advice, Memory improvement and thinking techniques