Exactly How I’ve Added More PLAY Into My Life

When did you stop playing? 

Probably around the time you had your first child (ironically) or got that promotion with the big salary.

If you’re like me, your expanding to-do list and pressure to keep up with all your responsibilities began to take priority. And maybe, like me, you started studying time management and high-performance productivity principals and reasoned that play was not something that helped you achieve your ambitious goals.

When we stop playing, we lessen our opportunities for joy and connecting with everyday magic. Stress has no outlet so we feel even more zapped of our energy and time. When we stop playing, we neglect emotional intelligence (EQ) pillar #2 Self-Management, which holds us back from leadership success and showing up consistently for our teams. 

Plus it keeps us in a perma-RBF (resting bitch face).

Not good, my dear friend. NOT GOOD!

I recently recognized that I needed more play in my life and began pursuing it in these ways:

1)  I bought a pair of rollerblades to keep up with my boys on their bikes. As an adolescent I LOVED blading, but hadn’t been since then! Now, my boys regularly ask me to go blading with them, and sometimes I even go out by myself for a few laps around the neighborhood.

Why?

Because it makes me feel like a kid again. I love the feeling of the wind through my hair. And I love the way it makes my legs burn and tone!

How to apply this to your life: Incorporate an activity you enjoyed doing as a kid into your current routine!

2) You know I’m a huge proponent of having a morning routine to fill up your own cup before you pour into others, and to set your intention for the day before the world comes at you. It’s no so important what you do, just that you do something that makes you feel good and, ideally, incorporates some aspect of mindfulness.

I recently added DANCE PARTIES to my morning routine! I started a playlist called “Feel Good” and every time I hear a song that makes me want to move, I add it to the list. In the morning while I’m still waking up, I shuffle the playlist, turn my purple speaker up, and bust a move. Sometimes I straight up dance in the middle of my living room; other times I keep the tunes pumping as I make coffee, brush my teeth, etc.

My boys are used to it now, and often join in! Best part is, it gets me smiling a whole lot earlier in the day and a whole lot more.

How to apply this to your life: Dance to one of your favorite songs as close to when you wake in the morning as possible!

3) I recently started practicing yoga back at one of the many great yoga studios we have in Naples, FL. While I’ve always practiced yoga, over the last many years I opted for a home practice that didn’t require any commute time or having to find a sitter for the boys. It made my body feel good, but I realized it was lacking contribution to my soul.

I met a friend for a yoga class a few months ago and realized how much I missed practicing with others, being inspired by them, and showing off my beautiful yoga practice.

(That may sound conceited but my beautiful yoga practice is the result of thousands of hours of practice and learning yoga and I am damn proud of it. I believe that when I am on my mat shining as the powerful yogi that I am, I give others inspiration and permission to shine as well. Please, don’t ever hold back your greatness – shine bright.)

For so many years it seemed logical to practice at home because it saved me time and money. But when I practice at the studio I feel sooo good and the effects are exponential.

How to apply this to your life: When playing, choose what feels good and aligned over what seems logical!

4) I used to pretend I was too busy for texting – now I use it as a way to stay connected with friends. My besties and I are on a group chat where we’re checking in with each other every day, sharing our struggles, and making each other laugh… so… hard. We’ll drop in our favorite Instagram memes, Tik Tok videos, or whatever wacky thoughts are going through our brains. I’m so grateful for the smiles my friends bring to me every day.

How to apply this to your life: Nurture your friendships over text chats – start a thread if you don’t yet have one!

These 4 things are little tweaks but they add so much more joy and play to my life.

I’m curious – what do you do to play?

Reply back and let me know so I can add some more goodies to my daily routine!

Wishing you lots of joy and success.

Your coach,

💜Sara

P.S. I’m super excited to announce that I’m speaking at the Sunshine Summit 1/21 in Naples, FL alongside 15+ CEOs and business leaders dedicated to innovation, energy, and community. If you’ll be in SWFL in January, please join us for this one-of-a-kind event that will spark success in your 2025. For early details & to register, go here.