U-M Counseling and Psychological Services

In order to live a satisfying life, it is not enough to have an absence of negative feelings; we also need pleasurable experiences that help cultivate positive feelings, such as happiness, joy, excitement, and delight. As we grow-up we often get so wrapped up in responsibilities and deadlines that we do not make time to play. We get stuck in our heads thinking about all of the things that we have to do.  Balance is achieved when we engage in things we WANT to do, not just things that we HAVE to do.

Play is a powerful tool that can help you connect to the present moment. It helps you get out of your head and back into enjoying your life in the present. Play…

  • energizes us.
  • relieves stress.
  • sparks creativity, flexible thinking and inspiration.
  • relieves boredom.
  • helps create social connections.
  • creates a sense of balance.

Check out our most recent Play Day video and how UM students benefitted from a few minutes of play!

Check out our Play Day Playlist HERE.

https://caps.umich.edu/article/5-minute-play-challengeWhat is play? “Play is a state of mind, rather than an activity… an absorbing, apparently purposeless activity that provides enjoyment and a suspension of self-consciousness and sense of time. It is...
There are many forms of play and ways to engage in play. Dr.
Since the Winter of 2012, CAPS annually displays a strong presence on North Campus while hosting Play Day, our largest outreach event of the year.