The Power of Play: Awakening the Queen Hormone
Here I am with my cute sister Robin at my Mermaid Retreat Last Year.
Have you ever noticed how a good laugh or a spontaneous game with friends can shift your whole day? That’s not just fun—it’s chemistry.
Think of your hormones as a royal court. At the very top sits the queen: oxytocin. When oxytocin rules, stress takes a back seat. High oxytocin naturally helps lower cortisol, the stress hormone, which means a calmer body and a clearer mind.
So how do we invite this queen to reign? Play.
Play isn’t childish—it’s a potent oxytocin generator. Whether you’re dancing in your kitchen, painting with wild colors, or giggling through a game of charades, playful moments flood your brain with connection chemistry. That connection opens the door to what I call our divine sparkle—the inner light that shines when we feel safe, alive, and authentically ourselves.
Four Research-Backed Gifts of Play
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, spent decades interviewing thousands of people about their “play histories.” His findings reveal that play is far more than recreation; it’s essential for a thriving life. Here are four benefits his research highlights:
1. Emotional Resilience
Free, joyful play teaches emotional regulation and empathy. Adults who make time for play are better at handling stress and navigating relationships.
2. Stress Relief & Mood Boosting
Play sparks positive emotions—laughter, joy, delight—that naturally calm the nervous system. Brown notes that people deprived of play often feel rigid, anxious, or depressed.
3. Creativity & Problem-Solving
Play invites imagination and experimentation. It strengthens the brain’s ability to think flexibly and find fresh solutions, whether you’re painting a canvas or brainstorming at work.
4. Social Connection
Shared play builds trust and belonging. When we laugh or create together, oxytocin flows, weaving stronger bonds with family, friends, and community.
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Bringing It Home
Reclaiming play doesn’t mean adding another chore to your list. It’s as simple as:
• Turning up your favorite music and dancing like nobody’s watching.
• Gathering friends for a game night.
• Picking up paints, clay, or anything that lets your hands move without a plan.
Each playful moment is an invitation for the queen hormone to rise, cortisol to quiet, and your divine sparkle to shine.
So today, give yourself permission to play. Your body—and your sparkle—will thank you.
