Playing In The Backyard Revealed As Leading Stress Reliever

Playing In The Backyard Revealed As Leading Stress Reliever

Being playful and acting young can massively reduce stress levels and improve the ability to solve problems, according to recent research on the impact of play. Play has also been revealed as being just as important for mental and physical health as sleep, eating well and exercising. Australians are encouraged to incorporate as little as ten minutes play time into their daily routine to experience these benefits.

Dr. Adam Fraser, evian Live Young expert and leading human performance researcher says, 'Play is defined as anything we do for the sake of it. It's about enjoying the pleasure of doing the task without focusing so much on the outcome. Playing is not only critical for the development of the brain but also its health, as play stimulates our pre frontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls executive function."

In order to demonstrate to Australians the importance of acting young and playing, evian has launched its global Live Young campaign. To celebrate, a backyard was erected at Martin Place and iconic Bondi Beach featuring an oversized Hills Hoist clothesline that adults were able to swing off and enjoy the rewards of playing like a kid again.

'Making time to refresh yourself through play is one of the best things you can do for your career, relationships and overall sense of wellbeing. It also allows you to take a step back from issues you encounter during the day and return with a fresh perspective," continues Dr. Fraser.

The following are Dr. Fraser's top 10 ways to live young and experience the benefits:

1.       Get some friends together, go to a toy store, buy some toys and have a play date.
Think play dough, finger painting, water guns! Explore an environment that felt magical as a child. It's sure to put a smile on your face.

2.       Turn your favourite song up loud in the kitchen and dance to it.
Let go of your inhibitions and just enjoy yourself without worrying what others think.

3.       Have a tickle fight.
There's no better way to ensure uncontrollable laughter that will leave a lasting smile on your face.

4.       Jump up and down until you're out of breath.
It will release endorphins that will make you feel great.

5.       Build a cushion fort in your living room.
Let your creative side guide you and revisit a hobby from your childhood that always felt exciting and fun.

6.       Play in the mud and don't stress about the dirt.
This carefree activity stops you from taking yourself seriously and invites you to simply let loose without an afterthought. It can help put things into perspective.

7.       Have a pillow fight.

A really fun way to recreate a much loved activity from your youth.

8.       Draw a picture and don't worry about how good it is.
This is a great way to let your creative juices flow and not think about anyone else's opinion other than your own. Celebrate your individuality through this activity.

9.       Race a colleague up the stairs.
A simple way to release endorphins and encourage a good giggle.

10.   Go to the park at lunch time and play on the swings.
This effortless, fun activity will ensure you indulge your inner child and escape the stresses of daily life for a while.

'It's worth testing out even a couple of these and noting the impact it makes on your mood, outlook and how you approach the rest of the day. Playing like a kid is easy and it makes you feel happier. This is guaranteed," concludes Dr Fraser.

The evian backyard will mark the launch of evian's global Live Young campaign in Australia. The campaign features alongside evian's latest YouTube viral sensation, the evian Baby & Me dancing babies, which since its launch in April, has had over 100 million views worldwide.

To celebrate, evian is running a fun photo competition on Instagram and Facebook offering the winner an incredible holiday for two to Queenstown, New Zealand – the Live Young capital - valued at $3,000. Second prize is a $300 voucher to enjoy a mouth-watering meal at La Grande Bouffe in Sydney's Rozelle. Consumers can enter by visiting evian.facebookcampaign.com.au and uploading a photo depicting how they Live Young in their backyard (wherever that may be). Or via Instagram, by uploading a photo using #evianbackyard.