The shape of play

Did you know that circles are considered the most playful shape?

It makes sense - balls, for example, are round, bouncy, involved in the majority of sports, and importantly have no sharp edges. From an evolutionary perspective, circles are the least threatening shape, and thus encourage play and lightheartedness. (Probably part of why I love polka dots!)

I’ve been reading Ingrid Fetell Lee’s book ‘Joyful’ and have been so fascinated by the intersection between design and our emotions. One study she cited in the chapter on play was especially interesting: simply drawing curving shapes (vs angular ones) contributed to participants having more creative ideas - presumably by fostering more flexible thinking.

This is exactly why creativity and play is one of the 4 pillars of our 4 C’s model of self-care. It is so easy to overlook play as something only for children and not relevant to ‘serious professionals’. And yet it really can enhance our success and well-being in so many ways.

What playful inspiration can you include in your surroundings?

(Fitting for the back to school season - the photo above is my most recent playful and joyful find!)