Play
Play
idea
The achievement society is burning us out, we need more play
This is about more than a self-help switch – it will take structural changes to reject capitalism’s productivity obsession
by Alec Stubbs
Food and drink
idea
If you don’t fancy mindfulness, then try cooking instead
When overwhelmed I schedule in a cooking day: playful, daring and full of memories. Beats any other stress-reliever for me
by Chloe Faure
Addiction
guide
How to control your gambling
What’s fun at first can all too easily get out of hand. Learn the warning signs and use these tips to rein things in
by Luke Clark
Play
film
A cobalt mine becomes an unlikely playground for children in Congo
A film by Francis Alÿs
Psychotherapy
idea
Sand-tray therapy can reach feelings at the ‘edge of awareness’
Originally developed for use in child therapy, sand trays are now helping adults with their difficult thoughts and emotions
by Doreen Fleet
Play
idea
All you need to know to start skipping stones like a pro
With the right attitude, stone skipping is a rebellious act that will leave you feeling like you have glitter in your veins
by Julie Benda
Animals
film
The zoo is a funhouse mirror that reflects and refracts the peculiarities of being human
Directed by Bert Haanstra
Play
idea
A game is not a game without a special kind of conflict
From 5,000-year-old boardgames to last year’s video-game blockbusters, all games feature a kind of collaborative conflict
by Eric Zimmerman
Meaning and the good life
idea
What surfing says about the importance of serendipity in life
What surfers call the elated state of ‘stoke’ is really a celebration of life and the meaningful serendipities it brings
by Aaron James
Dance
film
How the acrobat and choreographer Yoann Bourgeois plays with gravity and time
Directed by Raphael Wertheimer