236 The Power of Play with Elaine O Brien and Andrea Seydel

Play comes naturally to most children, but as we get older, playfulness, zest, tends to diminish. We get stuck in responsibilities, or maybe you feel like play is frivolous. But then you also end up feeling unhappy and depressed and play is a way out of it. The power of play can really help us live more enjoyable, fulfilling, and even productive lives. My two guests today, Elaine O’Brien and Andrea Seydel, are not only dear friends of mine, but they just coauthored a book on this, and I am so thrilled to have them share their wisdom with you! Today we’re discussing:

• Why we lose our sense of play as we get older
• Why play is so important to our wellbeing
• Reconnecting to how we like to play
• Easy ways to bring more play into our lives
• The value of “micromoments”
• How we can adopt a play mindset
• The scientific argument for play
• Why play is crucial to getting through challenging times

About Elaine O’Brien

Dr. Elaine O’Brien is one of the most informed academics, theorists, and practitioners on the intersection of positive movement, fitness, vitality, mental and physical health, and zesty aging. Dr. Elaine is one of the first 100 people worldwide to earn a master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) under Dr. Martin Seligman in 2008, who recognized her contributions in his book, Flourish. She was a 2022 MAPP Summit Alumni Invited Speaker. Seligman stated that Elaine’s work “advances the role of the body and positive movement in helping people achieve flourishing mental health, physical fitness, and positivity.” Elaine earned her PhD in Human Movement Psychology in her 60s, after decades of leadership in the dance/fitness industry. Elaine is a writer, author, speaker, and host/board member of the International Positive Psychology Association’s Health and Wellbeing division. She recently developed a course, “Positive Psychology Across the Lifespan” for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. With Andrea Seydel, Elaine is the co-author of The Power of Play: Optimize Your Joy Potential. This book can safeguard your physical and mental health and make you a better lover of life.

To learn more about and follow Elaine:

http://Elaineobrienphd.com
http://powerofplay.fun
https://www.facebook.com/Elaine.OBrien.Fitstyle
https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaine-o-brien-phd/ 

About Andrea Seydel

Andrea Seydel a powerhouse of knowledge and growth. With an unwavering passion for education and personal development, Andrea has dedicated her life to continuous learning.

Armed with a psychology degree and post-graduate studies in positive psychology and resilience training, Andrea is an accredited positive psychology coach and a respected figure in the fitness and yoga community. Her expertise extends to non-violent communication, neuro-linguistic programming, post-traumatic growth, mental health first aid, and more.

Driven by a profound mission, Andrea empowers individuals to navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace. Through her best-selling book, "Saving You Is Killing Me: Loving Someone With an Addiction," influential podcast, and Support Community, she has touched countless lives, offering guidance and support. As a regular contributor to Recovery Today magazine and an active advocate for the recovery community, Andrea is a transformative force, helping individuals turn their pain into purpose. Through her company, Live Life Happy Publishing, Andrea creates a haven for book lovers and aspiring authors. Affectionately known as "The Book Doula," she nurtures coaches, psychology experts, and entrepreneurs in the process of giving birth to their literary creations. By bridging the gap between aspiring authors and knowledge-seeking individuals, Andrea harnesses the power of books to change lives and make a positive difference in the world. When she's not immersed in her book reading, Andrea can be found hiking trails, practicing yoga, or exploring the world.

To learn more about and follow Andrea:

www.livelifehappypublishing.com
www.andreaseydel.com

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