Let's Play!

Embrace play by trying new activities that bring you joy, including fitness, music and games that challenge your intellect.  (istockphoto)

The English Oxford Universal Dictionary defines play as something done to amuse oneself or for exercise, sport or recreation. It comes to us naturally when we are children, but as time passes and our responsibilities grow, play – doing things that give us joy – tends to fall by the wayside.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has curtailed my ability to play. I’m the facilitator of the Living Well with MS Self-Help Group in Victoria, B.C., and I wondered if MS had affected the other members’ ability to play as well.

It was a fascinating conversation. I discovered that our group defines “play” as activities that make us feel happy, joyful and/ or cheerful. Some members said that play makes them feel more alive; others live in the moment and take pleasure in the small things. When I play, I forget I have MS.

We focused on the emotional aspect of play, not the physical, because activities once considered play have become difficult or impossible for many of us.

As kids, many of us rode a bike, kicked a ball, drew pictures, sang songs, climbed trees and spent hours on playgrounds. As adults, we participated in team sports, went to the gym, camped, danced, rode bicycles, performed music, and countless other pursuits.

My friends and I acknowledged our grief for the loss of how we used to play, but we didn’t want to dwell on the sadness. Accepting change is not easy. Our attitude is simply to get on with life.

Unfortunately, for some of us play became impossible because of our degree of disability. Some are so exhausted from managing their disease that they do not have the energy to play. One member felt that if it was not feasible to play the way they used to, then they would not bother to play at all. This attitude is in marked contrast to a member who chose to ski a half day instead of a full day, and now skates with a cane.

The majority of us have learned to play differently with creativity. We’ve re-created how we recreate. I can no longer jog, but I realized I can jog in the water by wearing a buoyancy belt. Others exercised in their wheelchairs or scooters. It is not the same, but it is similar.

The computer is an excellent toy. Games such as bridge, reading, doing research and answering email are all forms of play. Talking books, movies, TV and music provide entertainment. A member who used to dance now choreographs routines in her head as she listens to music. Another challenges his intellect with the game of chess.

Consequences are weighed when it comes to playing. One woman said she is willing to rest for three days just to be able to experience the pleasure of an activity.

Learning to adapt is a key component for continuing to play. Many of us use a scooter or wheelchair to get around. Whether the mobility challenge is permanent or intermittent, the mobility aids provide us with the ability to play. In my case, to experience park trails again, I scooter-hike. Someone else participates in the game of wheelchair curling. The opportunities are endless.

Pets bring us joy. Going for a doggie scooter walk, giving a back scratch and throwing a ball are all considered play by both the pet and the owner. This also applies to service dogs when they are not working.

Humour is an important theme in people’s lives. One facet is to poke fun at the disease and what it does to the body in the form of black humour. Because MS can cause poor balance and co-ordination, it has been suggested that we need to wear a T-shirt that says we are not drunk! Laughing makes people happy, which is all part of play.

The common thread throughout the discussion was the enjoyment of socializing with friends and family. Activities range from meeting for coffee, lunch or dinner, going for a scooter walk, talking on the phone or just hanging out at the MS Centre. Two of our members like to engage strangers in conversations as they cruise the city in their scooters.

We do what we can to get out there and play. I have learned that the physical activities of play may have changed, but the emotional rewards are the same.

Nancy Chamberlayne thanks the members of Victoria’s South Island Chapter’s Living Well with MS Self-Help Group for their contributions to this article.