In this episode, I discuss the transformative nature of play—how it changes our feelings, thoughts and actions and indeed, how it can rewire our brain to function better in all contexts. I explain the role of play in childhood, as well as adulthood in skill and social development and describe key characteristics of the mind and body during play. Additionally, I explore how play allows the brain to test contingencies in different roles/environments. Throughout, I discuss the underlying neurobiology of play. I also describe how lowstakes play, and tinkering can broaden and shape your future capabilities. Finally, I discuss how our childhood ‘personal play identity’ informs our adult personality. Throughout the episode, I use the science of play to outline recommendations for using play as a means to enhance neuroplasticity and explore novel situations, regardless of age.

#HubermanLab #Neuroscience #Play

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Article Links
Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension https://go.nature.com/3rycDqe
In search of the neurobiological substrates for social playfulness in mammalian brains https://bit.ly/3rvDvXP
Is chess just a game, or is it a mirror that reflects the child's inner world? https://bit.ly/3gsUNyr
A new structural model for the study of adult playfulness: Assessment and exploration of an understudied individual differences variable https://bit.ly/3otwvIU
5MinuteConsult Journal Club https://bit.ly/3sf7H8w

Book Links
Personal play identity and the fundamental elements in its development process https://bit.ly/331oYtm
Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain https://amzn.to/3uLnC1B
Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety https://amzn.to/3AZFUgx

Timestamps
00:00:00 The Power of Play
00:02:23 Tool: Reading on Smart Phones, Sighing & Learning
00:09:14 AG1 (Athletic Greens), Roka, Helix Sleep
00:13:57 Homeostatic Regulation of Play
00:23:53 Childhood Play & Mindsets
00:29:21 Contingency Testing
00:32:17 The (Power of) Playful Mindset
00:36:13 Body Postures
00:44:03 Rule Testing & Breaking
00:48:24 Role Play
00:50:39 Neurobiology of Lowstakes Play
00:54:22 Expanding Capabilities through Tinkering
01:00:03 Play Is THE Portal to Neuroplasticity
01:04:44 Adulthood Play
01:10:14 Fire Together, Wire Together
01:18:03 Trauma & Play Deficits & Recovery
01:23:25 Competition & Dynamic Movement
01:27:36 Chess, Mental Roles, Novelty
01:32:52 Personal Play Identity
01:37:24 Play Transforms Your Future Self
01:40:55 Recommendations for Play
01:44:25 ZeroCost Support, Spotify/Apple Reviews, YouTube, Sponsors, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne

Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac https://www.blabacphoto.com