USA Today recently ran a review of a new book written by Dr. Stuart Brown, a 76 year old psychiatrist, 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 this economic downturn 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.  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, petting your cat, playing Frisbee 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 virtually every day.