Episode 15 — The Power of Play: Giving Yourself Permission to Have Fun
You are really good at working. Really good at serving. Really good at showing up for everyone around you and getting things done.
But when did you last do something purely because it was fun?
In this lighter and life-giving episode, Kristen makes a compelling and science-backed case for why play is not frivolous, it is essential to your health, your creativity, your relationships, and your ability to lead well. She also brings faith into the conversation in a way that will make you laugh and think at the same time.
Joy is mentioned over 300 times in Scripture. A cheerful heart is called good medicine. And you were not created to endure your life. You were created to live it.
In this episode you will discover:
Why ambitious women lose play without realizing it and why it matters
The real science behind what play does to your body and brain
What Dr. Stuart Brown of the National Institute for Play says about why play is a biological necessity
How play reduces cortisol, releases dopamine and endorphins, and improves cardiovascular health
Why joy appears over 300 times in Scripture and what that tells us
What Proverbs 17:22 and Nehemiah 8:10 say about the spiritual necessity of a cheerful heart
Why Jesus himself modeled celebration, laughter, and joy throughout the Gospels
Two honest reflection questions to help you identify where your joy lives
Four practical invitations for reclaiming play this week
What play and laughter actually do to your body and brain:
Reduce cortisol, the primary stress hormone
Activate the brain’s reward system releasing dopamine which improves mood, motivation, and focus
Trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals
Improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure
Expand creativity and produce clearer thinking and better problem solving
Deepen relationships through shared laughter and genuine presence
Replenish energy reserves that routine depletes
Your two reflection questions:
What used to bring you genuine joy that you have stopped making time for?
What would you do this week if you had two unscheduled hours and your phone was put away?
Your four practical invitations for this week:
Leave your phone behind for one outing, be fully present without notifications
Do something spontaneous with your people, unplanned and fully enjoyed
Try something new, a class, a place, a hobby you have been curious about
Schedule time with girlfriends, put it on the calendar with the same seriousness as a work appointment
Scriptures referenced in this episode:
Proverbs 17:22 — A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Nehemiah 8:10 — The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Mentioned in this episode:
Dr. Stuart Brown — National Institute for Play
Private 1:1 Coaching with Kristen — contact@kristenivanov.com
Connect with Kristen on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn
Visit kristenivanov.com
Your action step from this episode:
Answer the two reflection questions honestly. Then choose one of the four practical invitations and do it this week. Not someday. This week. A cheerful heart is good medicine.
Did this episode encourage you?
Share it with a woman in your life who needs permission to have more fun. And if you are enjoying She Leads with Intention, a review on Apple Podcasts helps more women find this show. Thank you so much for being here.
Choose Brave. Lead with Intention.
