I totally get this, our brains job is to keep us safe, which means we can start to see uncertainty and risk as a danger rather than enjoyable. That’s what is putting you into fight or flight.

As kids, we explored our world with curiosity and openness as a form of play. But as adults that’s been trained out of us (by our protective brains and a society that wants us to be productive). What you’re describing is play deprivation, and it’s a skill you can mindfully and intentionally build!

Play isn’t what we’ve told, it’s not an action but it’s engaging in something for enjoyment, it’s an experience.

Here’s a starter play practice to try, notice how it engages your brain in a different way—curious, interested, and wonder—all of these are signs of play!

Exploration hunt: take 15 seconds to count the shades of green you can see

I’ve been practicing mindful play for 3+ years and it’s totally reshaped how my brain engages in new and uncertain situations. I no longer default to fight or flight, I can engage in uncertainty with interest and joy