Sole Purpose 22
A Prescription for Play:
Doctoring the Art of Fun and Balance

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Now that I have a bit more time to spare, one of my favorite post-match activities is participating in a book club with friends from back home. I've always had a passion for reading, and I've been told that revisiting childhood joys can be incredibly rejuvenating amidst the stresses of adult life. As a child, I cherished reading, playing outside, creating art, and running—activities I've consciously integrated into my adult routine. Interestingly, the idea of returning to your childhood joys is supported by research.

A 2020 New York Times article delved into the concept of "adult play" and highlighted a common misconception: adults tend to seek out new and exciting activities, overlooking the potential for revisiting childhood memories to tap into something deeply personal and fulfilling.⁴ It's akin to rediscovering the joy and excitement we experienced as carefree children. The New York Times article wasn't the only one expressing this sentiment; Psych Central also addressed the importance of play for adults, contrasting it with the attention given to children's need for play, self-expression, and creativity. We are aware that children need dedicated time to play and be creative. However, many adults neglect to prioritize play in their lives. Research indicates that adults who engage in playful activities experience improved physical and mental well-being and a heightened appreciation of their surroundings.^1,3,4

I came across this research, and it seemed to make sense, but I couldn't help but be a bit skeptical. The article seemed oblivious to the fact that I'm drowning in my busy schedule, especially with being in medicine. It clearly didn't get the memo about the life of a resident! Still, I decided to dive deeper into the world of adult play and figure out how to squeeze it into my jam-packed days.

Understanding your play style is crucial for maximizing your enjoyment. You don't have to fit into just one category; you can have multiple styles or a blend of several.

Here are some common play styles:^1,2

1. The Collector: Enjoys building and maintaining collections, from stamps to vintage cars.
2. The Competitor: Thrives on playing games and the thrill of competition, aiming for victory.
3. The Creator or Artist: Finds fulfillment in the act of creating, whether it's art, crafts, or other projects.
4. The Director: Enjoys organizing, planning, and leading activities or events.
5. The Explorer: Finds joy in discovering new things, whether it's a new hobby, place, or item.
6. The Joker: Loves humor, enjoys being silly, and delights in making others laugh.
7. The Kinesthete: Enjoys physical play, moving their body, and engaging in active pursuits.
8. The Storyteller: Finds play in crafting and sharing stories, whether through writing or verbal storytelling.

Initially, I dismissed the idea, thinking my life in medicine left no space for play, and I probably didn't fit into any of these styles. However, after digging deeper and reflecting, I realized I actually incorporate several of these play styles into my day to day life. Here's how I, along with close friends and other medical professionals I know, integrate these styles into our adult lives.

The Collector
Initially, I shrugged off the collector style, thinking it wasn't my thing. Sure, I collected pinecones and tennis balls during leisurely strolls with my mom as a kid, but the thought of accumulating clutter now? Not exactly my idea of a good time. However, I've discovered my secret obsession: houseplants. I won't divulge just how many I have (let's just say it's a jungle in here), but I take great delight in their care. Watching them thrive with a little repotting, sprouting new leaves, or adding a new leafy friend to the mix sparks immense joy. Now, while some of my fellow residents happily tinker away on their beloved cars over the weekend, you'll find me grumbling about changing my own oil—we all have our own talents and interests.

The Competitor
I couldn't help but chuckle when I read about the competitor’s style—it's like they wrote it just for me! Yep, guilty as charged. I'm the one who signs up for a couple of races each year, making sure I stay committed to some "serious" running. And hey, I'm not just about pounding the pavement; I'm all for joining a neighborhood soccer league, hitting the softball diamond, or shooting some hoops on the basketball court. Basketball, in particular, is a favorite of mine.

What's great about this approach is that it shifts my mindset about exercise. Instead of dreading my runs and feeling tired, I see it as a chance to indulge in something I genuinely enjoy and take a breather. Signing up for races is my way of ensuring I actually lace up my sneakers, train, and don't let excuses sneak in. It's all about keeping that competitive spirit alive—both on the track and in my motivation game!

The Creator or Artist
I can relate to the creator or artist style—it's right up my alley! I adore painting, especially watercolors. However, it can often be messy and VERY time-consuming (and I am a giant perfectionist) so I reserve it when I have an abundance of free time and REALLY need a mental reset. I've discovered that my creative side thrives in other ways too, like graphic design. I'm the first to raise my hand for tasks like designing a cover for my medical school's research journal or whipping up invitations for friends' events.

Then there's cooking and baking—a real passion of mine. Taking the time to craft a delicious meal (or even just doing some meal prep) is not only enjoyable but also a way to unwind and get ready for the week ahead. This is a great way to mentally reframe a task as something fun and a privilege instead of a chore. The best part about baking? I get to "bake" the world a little brighter and share the love with friends and coworkers. There's nothing like a homemade treat to bring a smile to someone's face and make their day a bit sweeter!

The Director
While I absolutely adore planning, being organized, and having a solid game plan, the director play style isn't quite my cup of tea. Let me explain. I'm what you might call a "fake extrovert" with a hint of real introvert vibes. My bubbly persona and tendency to please others can sometimes mask my true introverted nature. But all in all, a room full of crowded people where I have to ensure everyone is having a good time sounds exhausting.

It's perfectly okay—actually, it's fantastic—to recognize when something isn't your forte. Director-type activities leave me feeling stressed and drained, despite my love for organization. Now, my ex-roommate and one of my closest friends? She's the complete opposite. She thrives on planning events, hosting gatherings, and socializing. If she wasn't killing it as a resident, I'm convinced she'd be a phenomenal wedding planner, turning every event into a spectacular affair.

The Explorer
The explorer play style resonates with me to some extent. One of the joys of traveling for me is discovering new places through running—I've always found it a fantastic way to familiarize myself with a location. Externships were especially memorable for the incredible trail runs I experienced across the country.

While incorporating this style into my life is relatively easy, as I often stick to familiar routes, it can sometimes lead to monotony and a lack of enthusiasm for my runs. That's where the fun comes in—I make it a point to switch things up when time allows (keeping that balance in mind, of course). Exploring new or uncommon running routes can be a refreshing change and injects excitement into my routine.

However, there's a part of the explorer style that doesn't quite fit me. I'm not a fan of trying new things, particularly if I feel I might not excel at them. I tend to get frustrated when I'm unsure of my surroundings or feel lost (except when it comes to running, oddly enough). So, when I'm really stressed, diving into novel activities or unfamiliar places might not be the best choice for me at that moment.

The Joker
While I thoroughly enjoy cracking light-hearted jokes and bringing smiles to people's faces, the joker play style isn't exactly my cup of tea. I do often jest about all the outlandish things that patients say. I could do stand-up comedy just talking about obtaining an H&P.

Interestingly, I have friends who've delved into the world of comedy during residency. One ventured into improv classes, while another took on stand-up comedy. I admire both approaches and find it fascinating how they applied these fun activities to enhance their professional skills. The friend who explored improv mentioned how it helped her adapt to different personalities and situations in the operating room—an excellent example of combining something enjoyable with professional growth.

The Kinesthete
This play style resonates strongly with me. There's nothing quite like a beautiful sunny day and a leisurely walk while diving into an audiobook. I can be quite disciplined when it comes to exercise, often setting strict goals like running a certain number of miles—it's a bit of a black-and-white mindset for me. However, I've come to realize that life is full of gray areas.

Given the time constraints and the exhaustion that comes with a career in medicine, I've learned to appreciate the value of a simple 20-minute walk while the sun is still shining. It's a fantastic way to keep my body moving and enjoy a mental reset amidst the busyness. I also make it a point to attend yoga classes, which offer a different kind of physical and mental rejuvenation. When I'm back home, I indulge in ocean activities like snorkeling, surfing, swimming, and kayaking—each one a delightful way to stay active and connected with nature.

The Storyteller
The storyteller play style is a match for me! As I mentioned earlier, I'm an avid reader, and being part of a book club has been an incredible experience. Admittedly, I don't always resonate with every book my friends choose, but it's opened me up to new genres I wouldn't have explored otherwise. Plus, it's a wonderful excuse to catch up with friends once a month. The book club also serves as a gentle nudge to keep up with my reading habits and carve out some me-time amidst my busy schedule.

Apart from reading, I have a passion for writing and teaching. In fact, I spent a year before medical school teaching 1st-grade Spanish, which was an immensely rewarding experience. Writing these articles and contributing to the podiatric community brings me immense joy—it feels like I'm making a meaningful contribution and connecting with fellow enthusiasts in the field.

I believe it's all about finding that delicate balance, navigating timing, and making constant adjustments. Painting, for instance, is a rarity for me due to its time-consuming nature. However, fitting in a quick 10-minute walk or scheduling a weekly plant-watering session is much more manageable and still fulfilling. During some rotations or busy service days, squeezing in just two treadmill runs a week feels like a victory, given the fatigue and early mornings. Yet, there have been other times when I've hit the trails almost daily, relishing in the freedom and energy.

Similarly, as much as I cherish my book club, there have been instances where work took precedence, causing me to miss discussions about books I had taken the time to read (even if they weren't my favorites).

Reflecting on these experiences, I'm encouraged to recognize how much play I actually engage in and how it contributes to my well-being. It's a reminder to appreciate these activities more for the stress relief they provide and to challenge myself to have a bit more fun, even amid a hectic schedule.

I hope sharing my journey with personal play styles inspires you to explore your own and prioritize some well-deserved time for yourself!