Summary
In this episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast, Professor Andrew Huberman discusses the importance of play for adults. Play allows us to explore different outcomes in a low-stakes environment and helps us to expand our potential outcomes. The speaker also talks about the different types of play, from individual play to social play, and how they allow us to assume different roles and explore different possibilities. Play engages neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex, allowing it to work in less rigid ways. Play postures, such as the head tilt and soft eyes, are hardwired features seen in animals and humans during play. Partial postures, where individuals approach each other while keeping their body size smaller, are also seen during play.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of low stakes play, as high stakes play (such as in professional sports) does not typically involve these playful features. Play serves many functions, including interaction between multiple people, rule testing, and establishing hierarchies. Role play is a powerful form of play that helps establish who we will become as adults. Play is not just about having fun, but also about testing and experimenting, expanding the brain's capacity, and engaging neuroplasticity. Effective play involves low amounts of adrenaline and the release of endogenous opioids in the brain and body.
The podcast also discusses the impact of playfulness on neuroplasticity, which is the brain and nervous system's ability to change in response to experience. Playfulness and engaging in low-stakes contingency exploring can enhance neuroplasticity and allow for ongoing plasticity. The speaker uses the example of physicist Richard Feynman, who had a playful spirit throughout his life and continued to evolve new practices. Animals that engage in playful behaviors for the longest period of time tend to have the greatest degree of neuroplasticity.
The context also mentions the importance of agreed-upon rules and low-stakes contingency testing in social dynamics. Trauma and stress inhibit play and neuroplasticity, but engaging in play as adults can reactivate those circuits and reopen plasticity. Play, dance, and exploration of novel movements are routes to accessing new ways of thinking and contingencies. Competitive play is possible as long as one is enjoying themselves, and certain forms of play lend themselves best to neuroplasticity.
Finally, the podcast emphasizes the importance of the gut microbiome for overall health, and recommends Athletic Greens as a probiotic drink that supports gut and brain function. The podcast also discusses the importance of supplementing with vitamin D3 and K2 for proper calcium balance and cardiovascular function. It also features three sponsors: ROKA for high-quality sunglasses and eyeglasses, Helix Sleep for customized mattresses and pillows, and Athletic Greens for a year supply of vitamin D3 K2 and Athletic Greens.
