​USA Today reviewed a book written by psychiatrist Dr. Stuart Brown titled Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul. According to Dr. Brown, play is extremely important during periods of prolonged stress like now when we’re not sure when the pandemic we’re in is going to end. Play energizes us, refreshes us and reduces our stress levels which makes us healthier, happier, more productive and better able to adjust to changes in our life. It also helps us remain optimistic. Dr. Brown defines play as “an absorbing, apparently purposeless activity that provides a suspension of self-consciousness and sense of time.” Play doesn’t have to be elaborate. It can be something as simple as taking a walk or hike, petting your cat, playing Frisbee, putting together a puzzle or reading a good book. Dr. Brown’s advice for maintaining an even keel during these difficult times is to make some time to play every day.