You avoid junk food, get enough sleep and exercise. So what could be missing from your feel good lifestyle?

You probably need to play more.

That answer is surprising if you equate "playing" with children’s games and activities. Besides, with your job, community responsibilities, workouts, and taking care of home and family, what grown-up has time to simply play?

According to Dr. E. Christine Moll, a professor of counseling and human services at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, you need to find the time because research shows "play" is just as important to an adult’s health as keeping cholesterol levels in check and getting regular exercise. In fact, taking time for leisure and to simply play can help you be a better mate, parent, and employee.

The reason? "It airs out our brain. It renews our spirit. It gives us clarity of thought. It's a benefit to our blood pressure," Dr. Moll says. "Findings show that people who nurture leisure activities and play throughout their lives, have a much healthier outlook physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially."

Play through the ages

Interest in play is currently a hot topic among psychologists, educators, and even historians. Some researchers are sounding the alarm that modern humans are forgetting how to play, starting in childhood. A case in point: to prepare kids for the competitive world of the 21st century, many parents and educators are cutting out unstructured playtime, even for little ones attending preschool and kindergarten, in favor of more hours of classroom learning.

Anne Haas Dyson, a professor of curriculum and instruction in the University of Illinois College of Education, thinks bombarding children with information and doing away with play time is ultimately counterproductive. "That approach doesn't appreciate the role of play and imagination in a child's intellectual development," Dr. Dyson says. "Play is where children discover ideas, experiences, and concepts."

Research by Boston College developmental psychologist Peter Gray, published in the American Journal of Play, suggests that play is a fundamental component of adult human nature, too. In fact, he says our ancient ancestors’ ability to play helped them overcome innate tendencies toward aggression and promoted cooperation with one another. And that’s a concept with important implications for adults in today’s world, Dr. Gray points out.

Ready, set, PLAY!

So how do you know if you need to play more?

"If you can't remember the last time you took time for just you, it’s time for a change," Dr. Moll answers. "What have you done for yourself, lately? When was the last time you did something just for fun or just for the health of it? If your answer is 'I read a book a year ago,' then you need to do more. Whether it's cooking, needlework, golfing, or whatever, put leisure into your life. It's important."

While having fun can involve anything from doing crossword puzzles to a pickup game of basketball, Dr. Moll says true leisure should involve an activity that’s freely chosen by the participant; provides satisfaction and adventure; arouses interest; requires a commitment; serves as a sense of separation or escape; and, most important, is pleasurable.

The trouble is, many people have become so far removed from the recreation and hobbies they once had time, it may seem difficult or impossible to find and reconnect with fun pastimes. If that sounds like you, Dr. Moll has these suggestions:

• Spend some time at a local library and discover what sparks your interest.
• Visit an arts and crafts store or a sporting goods store. What looks like fun? Go ahead and try a new activity.
• Talk to friends, family, and co-workers about what they do for fun.
• While no one is suggesting you return to the rock concerts and frat parties of your college years, think back to the leisure interests of your younger days. Some might be fun to pursue today – like playing the guitar or another musical instrument.

"It doesn't matter what you do or that you may not do it well. Just start slowly and fake it until you make it. The point is to get out there, relax, and appreciate the grandeur of the world once in a while. Play with abandon. Live life with intention qnd be gentle with yourself," Dr. Moll adds.

Incorporating play into your culture

KaBOOM!, which the NonProfit Times named as one of the top 50 non-profits to work for in the U.S. is in the business of promoting play. Specifically, the company builds community playgrounds for children. In addition, it has incorporated "play" as part of the company’s culture. Top-level management regularly participate in a variety of recreational and play activities with employees at all levels .

In a recent Huffington Post blog, KaBOOM! CEO Darell Hammond pointed out that employees returning from "play time" breaks at work report feeling refreshed and more productive. In addition, Hammond wrote that employees say "play" breaks have deepened their sense of connection to their co-workers.