AHS Slides_Mark Sisson
3 likes1,719 views
The document discusses the importance of play for physical, mental, emotional and social development. It argues that play allows people to be creative, relieve stress, explore their talents and passions, and develop problem-solving skills. However, modern lifestyles have reduced opportunities for free, unstructured play. The document recommends incorporating more playful activities into daily routines to achieve benefits such as reduced stress, improved mood and flexibility, and a more well-rounded life.
AHS Slides_Mark Sisson
- 1. Mark Sisson Ancestral Health Symposium, 2011 The Lost Art of Play
- 2. A Meta Analysis of Double-Blind Studies on Effects of Random, Purposeless Neuromuscular Activity on Neural and Psychosocial Development in Homo Sapiens Throughout Evolutionary History: Survey Matrix of the Practical Significance of Numerous Dependent Variables RPNA Matrices
- 3. Conclusion: Play is Great!
- 4. 3-5 hours procuring food 3 hours habitat/shelter/basic needs 10 hours sleep/rest 6 hours leisure time = play (P.E., music, art) Grok Was a Beach Bum!
- 5. What is Play? “ By definition, play is purposeless and all-consuming. And, most important, it’s fun.” “ Life without play is a grinding, mechanical existence organized around doing the things necessary for survival.” - Stuart Brown, MD Author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul
- 6. Develop Emotional Intelligence Foster creativity & problem-solving Discover innate talents & passions Improve mental health/stress management Nurture lifelong capacity for “flexibility, novelty and exploration” Experiment with risk and safely explore boundaries Why Engage in “ Apparently Purposeless Behavior”?
- 7. School curriculum - “back to basics”: Cut P.E, Music, Art Conventional Wisdom: Play is frivolous, unproductive, luxury item American Dream: Struggle, accomplish, consume material things Today: Systematic Cultural Elimination of Play Cuts in Art, Music, Athletic Programs Leave Sour Note in Schools ARTS Arts programs affected by MCCSC budget cuts PHYS ED CUTS MAY LEAVE CHILDREN'S HEALTH BEHIND Sunday, November 20, 2005 HOT TOPICS Music leaders fear school budget cuts Americans: Overworked, Overstressed
- 8. We are deeply unsatisfied with more and more, because we are evolved for another lifeway in which material goods do not matter. It seems like our genes don’t know what to make of all our “stuff.” - Art De Vany, Ph.D. American Dream... Or Nightmare?
- 9. Pickin’ daisies (during the game!) Rough and tumble is okay Getting dirty (improves immune function!) Natural Playful Childhood
- 10. Adult-supervised, overscheduled, risk-managed life C ompetition, regimentation, anti-bacterial wipes, carpools, play “dates” 80% pedestrian to 8% in one generation Jungle gym: extinction of last link to genetic heritage! Innocence Squelched By Rat Race
- 11. Enduring Endurance Sports Struggle and Suffer = Success Play? Too risky, unproductive, pointless Epiphany: “Having fun yet?” Traded health for a 2:18!
- 12. Play Can be Subjective… Like “Playing” Golf Career success – buddies – nature = FUN! Whoops… Slow foursomes – “wasting time” Misplaced competitive intensity Epiphany: “Having fun yet?”
- 13. Golf Can Be Fun!
- 14. Play Deficiency: Dire Consequences Social, emotional and cognitive narrowing Increased stress, depression, violence Stereotyped, inflexible, humorless Life without irony, diminished capacity for optimism - Stuart Brown, M.D.
- 15. Play Benefits Brain Longevity correlation Cerebellum and frontal cortex size Total brain development
- 16. Play Benefits Career Open, creative, process-oriented mindset = more resilient Adaptable to change = modern economy Playful spirit, positive attitude, emotional awareness = team player
- 17. Play Provides Balance Vs Sedentary bodies Vs Linear brains Vs Regulated emotions Vs Fragile self-esteem
- 18. Be Here Now. Play Keeps You in the Moment
- 19. Releasing Attachment to Outcome – The Play Portal Play is Anti-aging Centenarians top longevity secrets: Go with the flow Preserve youthful spirit
- 20. It’s All About Movement… Not About Calories Burned
- 21. What Is Play For You? Subjective: fill your personal void Outdoor unstructured physical activity? Competition okay if you release attachment Abandon ego and self-consciousness
- 22. Play Prescription Follow pets or kids – get silly Mini-work breaks: 5-10 minutes (hacky sack, trash can hoops) Grand weekend outings: hike, rock climb, standup paddle Wild times/new rules: speed golf, photo scavenger hunt, urban orienteering or parkour.
- 23. Embody Playful Spirit At All Times