Consider how often you play today. Play can be considered any activity that you find pleasurable or enjoyable. Play is crucial to our mental creativity, health, and happiness — yet adults tend to forget about the importance of having fun.

Many of us try to multitask to make the most of our "free" time. You agree to give yourself a few minutes to relax outside but then take your laptop along to catch up on work. You're having lunch with a friend or playing some pickup basketball when your cell phone rings to interrupt you.

Think you're too busy to have fun? Think again. Carving time out of your schedule for play might seem self-indulgent, but its results make it worthwhile. In fact, research shows that employees who play feel happier and more relaxed and are more productive at work. Even a brief play break — a few minutes spent doing something fun or relaxing — can serve as a "mini vacation" that will add pleasure to your day while reducing stress.

Play can be anything that you enjoy — spending time pursuing a hobby, practicing a musical instrument, going bowling or shooting pool, or teasing your cat with a new mouse toy. The only requirement is that it's fun for you.

Today, take at least five minutes for a mini vacation or play break. Then, going forward, try to incorporate these play breaks into your regular daily routine. Hopefully, you'll find yourself reinvigorated as you get back in touch with your family, your friends, your pet, or your favorite pastime.