By Jeanine Hage 

It was a pleasant afternoon in the big high-rise city, where I had been invited as a panelist on Change Management in the high tech industry.

The panel was scheduled as part of a larger conference, and as the session ended, we were all ushered into one of the hotel’s conference rooms for lunch.  With my plate in hand, I scanned the room for a place to sit. Spotting a table where several people were already engaged in conversation, I made my way over and took a seat.

As I settled in, I quickly realized I was in distinguished company. The table was occupied by CEOs and C-suite executives, mostly men, from the high-tech industry and other adjacent sectors.

As the lunch progressed, the conversation around the table flowed naturally, but to my surprise, it wasn’t about change management, industry trends, or even the latest technological innovations. Instead, the subject that dominated the entire lunch hour was Golf.

Yes, Golf.

From the circumference of the golf balls to the perimeter of the golf course, it was a serious, 'technical', heated conversation about, well, at the end of the day, just a game to me.

It got me thinking!  As boring as this lunch was (sorry, but I can barely spell 'golf'), I still found it fascinating!

Since my boy was a toddler, his answer to everything—eating, sleeping, homework—has always been, 'I want to play.'  And here I am at a conference with the who's who of the industry, all men, talking about, well, playing. 

And I realized, it’s actually a good thing.

One of the fascinating differences between men and women often boils down to how they approach life: men seem more inclined toward playfulness, while women tend to be more serious. 

It's a broad generalization, of course, and exceptions exist, but there is a noticeable trend. While men often find joy in games, hobbies, and playful banter - think presidents on golf course and basketball court, or billionaire entrepreneurs playing video games in between launching rockets to space and buying platforms to push against dark ideologies - women, who are typically juggling multiple roles and responsibilities, may forget to weave fun into their everyday lives.

But here’s the thing—women need play just as much as men do. It’s a vital component of creativity, stress relief, and overall well-being. 

Men and the Art of Play

For many men, playfulness is a natural extension of their day. Whether it's engaging in sports, video games, poker games or cracking jokes, men often gravitate towards activities that allow them to relax and let go of the pressures of daily life. The culture of competitiveness and camaraderie among men, whether on the golf course, in fantasy football leagues, or at a poker table, encourages them to disconnect from seriousness.

This tendency to find fun and light-heartedness helps men manage stress and maintain friendships. Play is a way for them to decompress, focus on something outside of work or family obligations, and recharge mentally and emotionally.

Women and the Weight of Responsibility

On the other hand, many women, particularly as they balance careers, families, and social responsibilities, often approach life with a heightened sense of seriousness. The need to "hold it all together" can be overwhelming, leaving little room for leisure or playfulness. Women tend to prioritize productivity and caring for others, often putting their own needs for relaxation and enjoyment on the back burner.

But this approach can take a toll. Without moments of levity or play, life can become a monotonous routine of obligations. The mental load becomes heavier, and stress can build up, potentially leading to burnout.

Women Need to Rediscover Play

Play is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for maintaining a balanced, healthy life. Women, in particular, can benefit from embracing playfulness as a form of self-care. Playfulness fosters connection, releases endorphins, which act as natural mood boosters and stress relievers, and encourages out-of-the-box thinking.

Ultimately, life is about balance. Yes, there are times when we need to be serious, focused, and responsible. But there is also value in embracing fun and play.  Men may naturally lead the way when it comes to incorporating playfulness into their lives, but that doesn’t mean women can't do the same. 

So, here’s to all the women out there: Play a little. Laugh a little. You deserve it.