It’s that time of year again—when everyone starts talking about new year’s goals and resolutions. We’re all setting intentions to be more productive. Spend more time with family, get in shape, or focus on your career. But there’s one goal that often gets overlooked: making more time for play! As adults, it can be easy to shove play and relaxation to the bottom of our lists, but the truth is, play is just as essential as productivity! (And actually makes us more productive in the long run).

As a watercolor artist and someone who believes deeply in the power of creativity, I’m here to tell you that making more time for play can change EVERYTHING. Play isn’t just a break from “real life”—it’s something that adds joy, sparks ideas, and helps us find a balance that feels fulfilling. So, let’s explore why making time for play is such an important New Year’s goal and how you can set play goals that stick.

What People Get Wrong About Goal Setting

When it comes to goal setting, a lot of us focus on self-improvement in ways that involve hard work. We’re quick to set goals that feel productive: earning more, achieving more, checking things off a list or waking up at 5am. But here’s the catch: when we don’t make more time for play, we’re missing out on one of the best ways to fuel our creativity and mental well-being.

I’ve seen it in my own life and with countless others—taking time to play and explore without an agenda leads to so many benefits. It helps us avoid burnout, refreshes our minds, and actually makes us more focused when we return to work or more “serious” pursuits. So, before we get too deep into those big goals for the new year, let’s make room for play as part of our plan!

Play vs. Productivity (How Play Makes You More Productive)

It might sound counterintuitive, but making more time for play is one of the best ways to stay productive. When we engage in play—whether that’s painting, taking a walk, starting a new hobby, or learning a new instrument—we give our brains a chance to rest and recharge. Studies have shown that after a period of play or relaxation, people come back to their tasks with more creativity, better memory, and more joy.

For me, a playful break in my art routine or trying a new hobby often leads to “aha” moments or fresh ideas for my projects. It’s like clearing away mental clutter so there’s space for new inspiration to come through. 

So, if productivity is a big goal for you this year, remember that making more time for play can actually help you reach it!

How to Set Play Goals

Setting goals for play might seem unusual at first, but it’s a powerful way to make sure you actually follow through! Here’s how to start:

1. Set Aside Time: First things first: block out time on your calendar for play. Just as you would for work or an important meeting. You don’t have to carve out hours each day—even 10 to 15 minutes can be enough to start. I’m a big fan of creative daily challenges. Think of it as a date with yourself that you don’t cancel (no matter what!). Choose a time that works best for you, and make it a non-negotiable. 
2. Have a List of Activity Ideas: Think about what kinds of activities bring you joy and get your creative juices flowing. It could be anything from watercolor painting to dancing, trying out a new recipe, or even learning a random skill. (Yes, picking up a stone whistle, like I did, counts as play!). Having a go-to list of ideas can help you get started when you’re feeling stuck or aren’t sure what to do.
3. Celebrate Your Play Goals: Play is meant to be fun, so celebrate your playtime as an achievement! Did you try something new or take time to paint for the first time in a while? Give yourself a little pat on the back! It sounds silly (I know) but celebrating these moments reminds you that play is valuable. It reinforces the idea that playtime is worth your energy and attention.

Reasons Why Play is So Important

We’ve covered how to set play goals, but let’s talk about why making more time for play is so important! Here are a few benefits that make play worth prioritizing:

• Reduces Stress: Play gives us a chance to relax and step away from the daily grind. Whether you’re painting, reading, or just goofing around, play can help lower stress and make you feel more balanced. For me, spending even 10 minutes with my watercolors after a busy day instantly brings me back to center. (For more on this, check out my previous blog on how to combat seasonal stress here!)
• Boosts Creativity: When we play, our minds open up to new ideas. Play is a chance to experiment, try things that might “fail,” and see what happens. This open-minded approach can lead to creative breakthroughs and help us think outside the box in other areas of our lives. (I can’t tell you how many times playtime has inspired a new painting idea or helped me find a fresh perspective.)
• Builds Resilience: Play can help us build resilience by teaching us not to take ourselves too seriously. When we allow ourselves to play and make mistakes without judgment, we learn to be a little gentler with ourselves. This is so important for those of us who tend to be perfectionists (I know I’m guilty of this!). Embracing play reminds us that it’s okay to mess up, explore, and keep trying.
• Improves Social Connections: Play can bring you closer to others. Whether that’s with friends, family, or a creative community (I have a great one!). Whether it’s sharing a creative project, laughing together, or simply enjoying each other’s company, playtime can help strengthen relationships and build a sense of belonging.

If you’re interested in exploring new hobbies to bring more play into your life, check out my recent post on the importance of creative play for adults. It’s filled with tips on finding something you love and getting started without pressure.

Explore The Art Within

If you’re feeling the itch to spend more time growing as an artist this year, check out The Art Within! This course is designed to help you tap into your creativity through art. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned artist looking to grow. We cover everything from color mixing to finding your unique style. Making it a great way to incorporate more play and self-expression into your life.

Here’s to Making More Time for Play!

As you set your new year’s goals, remember to make more time for play. Whether it’s a daily creative session, a weekly hobby, or a few minutes of relaxation, prioritizing play is one of the best things you can do for yourself! 

Play keeps us balanced, brings joy to our days, and helps us stay connected to who we really are. So go ahead—add play to your list, and let yourself have fun! Here’s to a year of creativity, exploration, and happiness.

Before you head off to tackle your goals, let me share a few resources to keep the creativity flowing! If you’re ready to dive into painting, download my FREE eBook, The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Watercolor for tips to get you started right away. Or, for even more inspiration, grab a copy of my Creativity Playbook. It’s packed with playful exercises, prompts, and creative hacks to help you make more time for play whenever you need a boost. And let’s stay connected—follow me on Instagram and tag me in your creations. I’d love to see what you’re working on!