Ever experienced burnout? I’ve been there too – it’s no walk in the park. It was during one bad burnout during the pandemic that I stumbled upon an unconventional solution – play. Today, I champion this notion, to delve deeper into why play isn’t just for kids. In this guest appearance on the Decode Your Burnout podcast. I talk about redefining work and play.
Play: The Unconventional Solution to Burnout with Mike Montague
What’s the secret weapon against burnout? Mike Montague, game show host, public speaker, and writer, joins us to reveal why the power of play is the ultimate antidote. If you think rest is the solution to burnout, Montague’s personal story might just change your mind. Tune in to discover how engaging in play, rather than rest, can recharge your energy and focus. As an ambivert, Mike shares how he balances both introverted and extroverted aspects of his personality to keep exhaustion at bay.
Ever wondered how play can build creativity, confidence, and even lead to better sales? By diving into the science of play, this episode offers surprising answers. Mike not only shares the scientific data supporting these points, but he also reveals how play can make workplaces more productive and attractive. We even explore how incorporating play into workplaces can lead to fewer sick days and better overall job satisfaction.
Finally, we take a journey through the world of Playful Humans and the unique solutions they provide through plug-and-play games. Mike offers his expertise on creating a playful work environment and the benefits of using game shows and contests to make learning more enjoyable. We hope to inspire you to advocate for play in your workplace and to gamify your work for a more joyful and energized work-life balance. Don’t miss out on Mike’s burnout quiz, an essential tool for becoming more playful and preventing burnout. Let’s play our way to a happier, healthier life!
(0:00:12) – Preventing Burnout With Playful Humans (13 Minutes)
Mike shares his own story of burnout, which happened in college and again during the pandemic. We learn that rest doesn’t fix burnout – rather, only active engagement and play can help recharge our energy and get us focused again. Mike also identifies as an ambivert, someone who is both introverted and extroverted. He has two tanks – his mom’s side of the family is sensitive and creative, while his dad’s side is masculine and business-oriented. It’s important to find a balance between the two.
(0:12:46) – Importance of Play and Emotional Work (13 Minutes)
Mike discusses how play can be a powerful tool to build creativity, confidence, human connection, and physical and mental conditioning. We explore the scientific data that shows how play can lead to better referrals, more sales, fewer sick days, more attractive people, and even more sex. We also discuss how to use play to help people be more productive and how to educate companies on the science behind it.
(0:26:13) – Playful Engagement in Learning and Work (9 Minutes)
Mike shares how to use play as an effective tool to build creativity, confidence, and human connection. We discuss the many different ways to encourage people and how to approach it with the mind of a child and creativity, as well as the need to match the needs and personalities of each individual. Mike also shares his experiences with Playful Humans and the plug-and-play games he uses to create unique solutions for people. Finally, we discuss why traditional methods of teaching and engaging with people need to change to keep up with the world today.
(0:35:11) – The Importance of Play in Work (7 Minutes)
Mike shares his expertise on how to apply play to the workplace, how to create a playful environment, and how to use game shows and contests to make learning fun. He also encourages listeners to advocate for play in their workplace and to gamify their work. Finally, he describes his burnout quiz and suggests ways to be more playful. We explore how play can be used as a powerful tool to build creativity, confidence, human connection, and physical and mental conditioning.
