There is a reason children are so resilient. They play.

Children jump, run, stop, climb, roll, push, pull and all in never ending variations and combinations. Their bones, connective tissue, nerves and muscles are always adapting in new and changing ways and never grind the same into stress and distress.

When children play it is usually calm and when it gets intense, they release the buildup with movement, voice and shaking.

In short, playing when we are young and when we remember to be human is the optimal activity to create and keep the body healthy limber and capable for what may come.

When we look at movement and with conflict included we can add to our regular work some games to keep things more healthy and relaxed and reap the benefits of these games in longevity, ability and our psyche.

1. Catch – Define a square or a circle and place two or more players inside. One is the catcher and once they touch their target, the roles shift. Add pool noodles to this game to make it more of a fencing or tool oriented game and add movement restrictions such as feet cannot touch the ground to have the players create and use new movement patterns.
2. 1.2.3 you’re it – One person is the counter. They stand with their back to the other players who need to creep and touch the counter. The counter says “1 2 3 ” and turns to the players who need to freeze and stay frozen until the counter turns their back to them again. If they are caught moving or wobbling, they become the counter and the game restarts.
3. Twister – One player twists in place with eyes closed until they feel it affecting their balance and then they have to do some precise work such as shooting a ball to a basket or throwing a dart to a board. Avoid standing next to the board …
4. Snake – One player stands with a long rope and swings it around below head height. The other players need to reach the rope swinger while avoiding the rope. Replace the rope with a stick at will but use a speed that can be controlled to avoid injury.
5. Mirror – Two players start standing and looking at each other. The first starts moving and the other needs to mirror them fluidly. If the follower breaks the mirror by not following smoothly, they shift roles and continue.
6. Tree in wind – One player stands on one leg as others throw “soft” items at them (paper balls, empty plastic containers and so on). If the tree player catches the thrown objects they switch places and if the tree is hit, they need to carry the object until the switch.

Play for life.