The Playful Life - by Julie P Jones & Jed Dearybury (Paperback)

About the Book

"This book will equip, encourage, and empower the general population to reflect on the how they bring PLAY into their lives. The global pandemic has shifted perspective on trauma and social-emotional awareness; communities are more and more aware of the need for connection and joy for healthy living. Readers will explore why and how to include meaningful, relevant, and fun experiences in their daily lives-- at home, at work, at rest"--

Book Synopsis

Do you find yourself wanting more out of life? It's time to bring play to your every day

Play is not just for kids! There are many reasons we need play in our lives. The Playful Life shows you why and how to bring more playfulness to all aspects of your life. You'll explore how to create meaningful, relevant, and fun experiences for yourself and others through both a playful mindset and playful behaviors. Through research and 20+ years of teaching children and adults, authors Dr. Julie Jones and Jed Dearybury have found that play is not only fun, it's essential to a full life. In this book, they share their knowledge and inspire you to reflect on the need for connection and joy for healthy living through play.

This book will equip you with new definitions, ideas, and ways of thinking about play for your daily life. With a relaxed tone, comical banter, and real talk, the authors encourage new understandings about what play is and empower you to make more playful choices. If you strive to find balance, overcome stress, and enjoy each day through play--The Playful Life is a must read for your life journey!

• Learn what play means and why it's so essential to our everyday lives--at every age
• Discover the incredible benefits of play to your physical and mental health
• Get ideas for incorporating play into your everyday life at work, at home, or when you're out and about
• Begin healing past traumas and grow into the person you are meant to be--through play and playful living!

Building on the popular book The Playful Classroom, this is a new and exciting take on what play does for all of us-- physically, socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

From the Back Cover

Rediscover play and transform your everyday life.

Did you think you were done playing? Think again! Cultivating a playful mindset will help you build empathy, make friends, heal past traumas, make memories with loved ones (including yourself!), and break down the barriers that keep you from connecting with your community and the world around you.

"This book feels like you're having a conversation with two friends while simultaneously learning an immense amount of information in the process. We love the way Jed and Julie's playful candor helps you take in all that you're reading and digest it. And boy did we eat it up. Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to educate themselves on the importance of play, the importance of self, and the importance of the curious world around you."

PJ and Thomas McKay, Bloggers and Influencers, The Property Lovers

"This book expertly and joyfully allows the reader to engage and learn the benefit of having a 'playful brain and mindset' to face our challenges and overcome obstacles. Being better at play may be the antidote that lifts folks out of an exhausted existence and into the space of fun, humor, laughter and showing life who is living it."

Dr. Janet Taylor, Psychiatrist and Author, The Courageous Classroom

About the Author

Dr. JULIE P. JONES, PhD, is the Director for Teacher Education in Converse University's School of Education and Graduate Studies. In addition to The Playful Classroom (2020), she maintains an active research agenda with interests including instructional technology and pedagogy, always with a mix of creativity and play. Follow her on Twitter @JuliePJones, and view her full curriculum vitae at www.juliepjones.com.

JED DEARYBURY began his EDU career in 2001. He was featured in GQ magazine as Male Leader of the Year, met President Obama as the SC honoree of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, and was a finalist for SC Teacher of the Year. In 2015, he began leading professional development and teaching in higher education. His previous books include The Playful Classroom (2020) and The Courageous Classroom (2021).