Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/975060
MAY / JUNE 2018 35 Play. Attendees from a diversity of disciplines—from health science to landscape architecture—come together to showcase their latest research and discuss how play benefits the body and mind. Dr. Anthony T. DeBenedet, a speaker at this year's con- ference, has dedicated a whole book to the subject, Playful Intelligence: e Power of Living Lightly in a Serious World. e book draws on personal anecdotes and research from a range of disciplines—economics, neuroscience and more—to explain how maintaining a playful personality in the face of adulthood stress can improve your well-being in profound ways. DeBenedet identifies five "qualities of high value" that influ- ence happiness—imagination, sociability, humor, spontaneity, and wonder. His list is strikingly similar to the traits nurtured by fitness trends such as Primal Play. According to DeBenedet, adults who exhibit and exercise these qualities of high value enjoy less stress, better interpersonal relationships, and higher career contentment. "It's not about taking life less seriously," he writes. "It's about taking ourselves less seriously." So sit back, relax, and rediscover the magic of play. Aer all, it's good for you. —Mae Jacobson is Associate Editor of WAC Magazine. Reach her at mjacobson@wac.net. NO SWEAT REQUIRED Adding more "play" to your life isn't the same thing as adding more fitness. Board games, crafting, and puzzles can all help deliver the health benefits associated with play. So can simply stepping away from "normal life" for a day or just trying something new. We've put together a list of a few of our favorite events coming up. Of course, the event listings in every issue of WAC Magazine are another great place to start planning your own play dates. Learn the Art of Watercolor June 12 Get your right brain firing with a class that will put the paintbrush in your hand. You'll learn some of the nuances of watercolor and leave with a final product to hang on your wall … or sell at Christie's. Scavenger Hunt July 20 Enjoy a mellow ride across the glassy waters of Lake Union as your team works to solve clues around the shore. Give in to summer and enjoy some playful competition. Baseball & Beer IV June 3 This annual adults-only trip to Safeco Field to watch the Mariners is a member favorite. This year, we'll pregame at Sodo's 13 Coins for brunch-style eats before heading to Safeco's Lookout Landing. Healthy Cooking June 14 WAC Executive Chef Eric Floyd and WAC Nutritionist Eric Chen make it fun to eat healthy. This popular class combines great taste with smart nutrition. See next page for a list of WeeWACs summer camps.