Maximyz

12/13/2022

Day 24: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Cookie Decorating!!

A fun way to play, be creative, and eat some sweets. Lot’s of smiles on everyone’s faces and even the Grinch had a good time!

Each time the power of play shows it’s ability to impact the world around it. It’s time we bring more play into our lives, homes, work, and families.

Challenging you to post something playful today!

12/06/2022

Day 22: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Skate or Die!!!

What can be more freeing than rolling on your own set of wheels?

I get some smiles when other adults see me on a skateboard. I think it partially makes them uncomfortable seeing an older man playing like a kid on a skateboard. I also think they are secretly wishing they had the courage to do so.

I am here to say it is healthy to be a kid and play. We need to normalize this behavior and not stigmatize it!

Join the challenge and share your playful experiences here to promote mental health.

12/05/2022

Day 21: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Eye Found It!

A fun game similar to ‘Wheres Waldo’ where you have to find the items faster than anyone else.

As always, play is so important for focusing our attention away from life’s distractions and on those we care about. Each day, I become more and more in awe of the awesome power of play!

Challenging you to get out there and play for your mental well-being.

11/29/2022

Day 20: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Obstacle Course!

It was so cool to see how fearless this little one was. That is also a power of play. It can help you overcome fears, be more brave and courageous, and ultimately improve your self-esteem.

How have you used play to overcome your fears or to boost your confidence?

11/28/2022

Day 19: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Bracelets!!!

Had much fun with Skai making awesome bracelets.

I think it is pretty cool being able to make something creative that you can also wear.

Again, I will keep repeating it, play is essential for improving mental wellness. I reaffirm this each day. Play creates bonds, puts you in the moment, releases endorphins, reduces stress, boosts creativity, and makes us happy.

I will keep challenging you to get out there and play!

11/21/2022

Day 18: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Jump, Jump!

Just being silly and jumping on the trampoline together. Great exercise and a great way to build self-esteem and bonding.

Hope you will join the challenge, get out there and play in order to bring awareness to mental health and using play to improve it.

Let’s see how you play!

11/21/2022

Day 16: Playing for Mental Health Challenge

Petting Zoo!

Yesterday was our littlest’s 5th birthday and we had a mobile petting zoo visit our house.

They had bunnies, chinchillas, snakes, ferrets, turtles, lizards, and more!

Playing with animals is a great way to reduce stress, increase curiosity, and teach caring.

Join the challenge and help promote mental health awareness by using play as a way to improve wellbeing.

Post yourself playing and tag others.

# pettingzoo

11/19/2022

Day 15: Playing for Mental Wellness Challenge

Mobile Video Games!

Had to travel this week and the weather is cold and rainy. So decided to play some phone games in my hotel room.

Video games sometimes get a bad wrap because adolescents can get addicted to them. However, playing them can have benefits as long as you are playing in moderation.

They can improve motor skills, logic and reasoning, problem solving, decision making, and create social connections.

I personally like role playing adventure games and solving puzzles.

How about you? What mobile games do you play? Share here and tag others to join the challenge to play for mental health awareness.

11/18/2022

Day 16: Playing for Mental Heath Challenge

Singing!

I was on a long drive back home and just heard about Elton John’s last tour. I decided to do my own tribute while driving and sang along with several of his famous songs.

It brought back many good memories of my youth and made the ride shorter for sure.

I didn’t take any photos since I was driving, but here is a list of his best songs if you want to try singing along too:

Challenging you again to share your way of playing and how it improves your mental well-being.

In time for his 75th birthday, our picks for the greatest hits and finest deep cuts from the Rocket Man’s legendary 50-plus-year career.

11/16/2022

Day 14: Play for mental health challenge

Legos!

The building blocks of life. (Not really, that is DNA) But seriously, I think Legos have probably shaped my life in many ways. I have so many good memories playing with them as a kid. And now, it is an awesome force of nature with my children as well.

What will you create? What memories will you create? What alliances will you forge and will your children forge?

I hope you will join us and celebrate the simplicity and authentic reality of using play to improve your mental well-being as well as others.

Let’s see what you got!

11/15/2022

Day13: Play for Mental Health Challenge

Playing Dress Up!

One of Rahel’s favorite things is to coordinate our outfits when we go out. She has a real talent for it.

It’s fun and we always get compliments that boost our confidence and make us feel a little bit like celebrities. But more than that, it is a way for us to express ourselves, creativity, and provides a bonding experience for us.

So, show us how you dress up and join the challenge to play for mental heath.

We all can gain from a little boost to our mental wellness and finding ways to play can be a great solution.

11/15/2022

Day 12: Play for Mental Health Challenge!

Doll house!

Can men play with dolls? Why not?

A great way to use your imagination and teach / learn about how to get along.

We experimented with controlling personalities, compromising, and being friendly and helpful.

As silly as it might sound. Playing with dolls can be a great way to simulate realmlife situations and practice behaviors without real world consequences.

Hoping you will continue to join me and share your playful monents here.