In this episode, I discuss the transformative nature of play—how it changes our feelings, thoughts and actions and indeed, how it can rewire our brain to function better in all contexts. I explain the role of play in childhood, as well as adulthood in skill and social development and describe key characteristics of the mind and body during play. Additionally, I explore how play allows the brain to test contingencies in different roles/environments. Throughout, I discuss the underlying neurobiology of play. I also describe how low-stakes play, and tinkering can broaden and shape your future capabilities. Finally, I discuss how our childhood ‘personal play identity’ informs our adult personality. Throughout the episode, I use the science of play to outline recommendations for using play as a means to enhance neuroplasticity and explore novel situations, regardless of age. #HubermanLab #Neuroscience #Play Thank you to our sponsors: AG1 (Athletic Greens) - https://www.athleticgreens.com/huberman ROKA - https://www.roka.com - code "huberman" Helix Sleep: https://helixsleep.com/huberman Our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/andrewhuberman Supplements from Thorne: https://www.thorne.com/u/huberman Social & Website Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hubermanlab Twitter - https://twitter.com/hubermanlab Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hubermanlab Website - https://hubermanlab.com Newsletter - https://hubermanlab.com/neural-network Article Links Reading on a smartphone affects sigh generation, brain activity, and comprehension - https://go.nature.com/3rycDqe In search of the neurobiological substrates for social playfulness in mammalian brains - https://bit.ly/3rvDvXP Is chess just a game, or is it a mirror that reflects the child's inner world? - https://bit.ly/3gsUNyr A new structural model for the study of adult playfulness: Assessment and exploration of an understudied individual differences variable - https://bit.ly/3otwvIU 5MinuteConsult Journal Club - https://bit.ly/3sf7H8w Book Links Personal play identity and the fundamental elements in its development process - https://bit.ly/331oYtm Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain - https://amzn.to/3uLnC1B Play It Away: A Workaholic’s Cure for Anxiety - https://amzn.to/3AZFUgx Timestamps 00:00:00 The Power of Play 00:02:23 Tool: Reading on Smart Phones, Sighing & Learning 00:09:14 AG1 (Athletic Greens), Roka, Helix Sleep 00:13:57 Homeostatic Regulation of Play 00:23:53 Childhood Play & Mindsets 00:29:21 Contingency Testing 00:32:17 The (Power of) Playful Mindset 00:36:13 Body Postures 00:44:03 Rule Testing & Breaking 00:48:24 Role Play 00:50:39 Neurobiology of Low-stakes Play 00:54:22 Expanding Capabilities through Tinkering 01:00:03 Play Is THE Portal to Neuroplasticity 01:04:44 Adulthood Play 01:10:14 Fire Together, Wire Together 01:18:03 Trauma & Play Deficits & Recovery 01:23:25 Competition & Dynamic Movement 01:27:36 Chess, Mental Roles, Novelty 01:32:52 Personal Play Identity 01:37:24 Play Transforms Your Future Self 01:40:55 Recommendations for Play 01:44:25 Zero-Cost Support, Spotify/Apple Reviews, YouTube, Sponsors, Patreon, Instagram, Twitter, Thorne Please note that The Huberman Lab Podcast is distinct from Dr. Huberman's teaching and research roles at Stanford University School of Medicine. The information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Huberman Lab Podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac - https://www.blabacphoto.com