debunking myths about play and plex

MYTH:

I don’t have time to play.

View this post on Instagram

➔ This piece first appeared on Instagram as part of Plex’s Debunking the Myths About Play + Plex series. I’m sharing it here for those who prefer reading or reflecting through the Plex Library — with a little extra depth and ideas. Scroll through the Instagram carousel (here).  Below is the caption of the Instagram post, and then, the deeper dive with some ideas, reflection questions and links for more about the topic.

first up: the caption from the instagram post​

“I don’t have time to play.”

Sound familiar? Many of us carry this belief, and it quietly shapes how we schedule our days.

Here’s the truth: you do have time to play — but it might look different than you imagine. Play doesn’t have to be an hour-long escape or a big production. Even tiny, intentional moments of curiosity or fun count.

When we skip play, we aren’t just missing a laugh. We’re missing opportunities to recharge, boost creativity, and notice possibilities we might otherwise overlook.

Play is a hidden productivity tool: it helps you think better, respond more flexibly, and show up more fully — even in the busiest schedules.

Where could you sneak a little playful expansion into your day today?

AND NOW: THE DEEPER DIVE

It’s easy to believe that play is “extra” or “frivolous” when life feels full. But the reality is the opposite: skipping play often makes the day feel heavier, more rigid, and less creative.

Even a few minutes of micro-plexing — small, playful experiments — can ripple into the rest of your day. Examples:

  • Adding a playful twist to a routine task (singing while folding laundry, making a game of organizing papers).
  • Taking a five-minute curiosity walk to notice something new in your neighborhood.
  • Trying a small creative experiment at work or home that has no “purpose” other than delight.

Science backs this up: short bursts of playful engagement can improve cognitive flexibility, problem-solving, and mood. You don’t need a long block of free time — just intentional, small moments that invite curiosity and fun.

Play is about expanding how we engage with life, not about carving out a separate hour labeled “fun.”

plexful ideas to try

➔ Explore an idea from Plex’s Idea Lab, or create your own little playful adventure or twist.

  • See ideas above
Reflection (journal prompt)

➔ Take a few minutes to reflect or journal your thoughts — and notice how it feels to entertain the possibility of playful expansion.

Where in your day do you feel “too busy” to play?
What small, playful step could you try — even for 2–5 minutes — that would give you a sense of expansion or curiosity?
How might this change your perspective on time and productivity?
Links / Related Articles