Play is the Secret to Brain Health - Stay Young with Pottery

I Get Younger Every Year — And So Can You

I was 75 when I started taking pottery classes at UCF again – yes, you read that right, "again." My first stint as a student there was back in the 1970s. This time around, I was determined to shake off some of those senior moments and tap into my inner creativity. As I rolled up my sleeves (or should I say, unrolled them?) to get messy with clay, something remarkable happened: my brain started to feel like it did when I was 20.

It wasn't just the thrill of creating art that got me moving – although, let's be honest, that's a big part of it. It was also the flow state I entered as I lost myself in the rhythm of spinning and shaping. My mind cleared, my focus sharpened, and before I knew it, hours had passed like minutes.

That's when it hit me: play is the secret to brain health. No fancy supplements or expensive gym memberships required – just good old-fashioned fun. And that's exactly what we need more of in our lives, especially as we age.

The Science Says So

Research has been piling up on the importance of play for cognitive function and overall well-being. One study after another shows that engaging in activities that bring us joy and challenge – like learning a new skill or exploring a new hobby – stimulates the growth of new neurons and even reverses some age-related cognitive decline.

But here's the thing: our brains are wired to learn and adapt, no matter what our age. The problem is, we're often taught to value productivity over creativity, efficiency over imagination. We get stuck in routines that suffocate our sense of wonder and curiosity.

That's why I love saying it out loud: "The playground doesn't care how old you are." It's a reminder that the boundaries we impose on ourselves – like age or experience level – are just social constructs. The truth is, our brains are capable of amazing things when given permission to play.

Challenge Both Sides of Your Brain

One of my favorite pottery techniques is called " throwing on the hump" – it's a term that refers to the exact moment when you start shaping the clay into its final form. It requires both sides of your brain working in harmony: logic and intuition, reason and creativity.

I've found that this balance between left-brain rationality and right-brain imagination is essential for staying mentally agile as we age. When we challenge both sides of our brain – every single day – we're not just keeping our minds sharp; we're also opening ourselves up to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities.

So what can you do TODAY on the playground?

* Take a pottery class (or any creative class) and let your inner artist shine.

* Learn a new language or skill – it'll challenge both sides of your brain.

* Schedule playtime into your day, no matter how busy you are.

* Dance in your living room like nobody's watching (because they won't be).

* Start a journaling practice to tap into your creative subconscious.

The key is to approach these activities with an open mind and a willingness to have fun. When we do, we're not just exercising our bodies or sharpening our minds – we're cultivating a sense of joy that's essential for brain health.

Just Keep Moving

As I look back on my life, I realize that it's the moments of play – the times when I felt most alive and engaged – that have given me the greatest gifts. My brain may not be as spry as it was in my youth (but let's keep this between us), but with each passing year, I get younger every year.

That's what happens when you never leave the playground. You stay young at heart, curious, and open to new experiences. And that's exactly what our brains need more of – not just supplements or gadgets, but play. So let's make a pact to prioritize fun in all its forms. Our brains will thank us.

To start your own journey on the playground, head over to neverleavetheplayground.com for inspiration, resources, and stories from fellow adventurers like you. And remember: I get younger every year – you can too.