Zander Phelps on Exploring Movement-Based Play as a Pathway to Personal Balance

Alexander "Zander" Phelps, founder of HACKiDO™, is exploring how movement-based play might serve as a support for personal development and emotional steadiness. His approach encourages simple, approachable forms of physical engagement that may offer benefits related to stress regulation and adaptability in everyday life.

Phelps highlights a growing interest within clinical neuroscience in the role of play, particularly for its potential to influence stress responses and mental fatigue. While play has long been associated with recreation, researchers are now considering its possible impact on brain function. "Play isn't just a pastime; it's a profound form of neuroplasticity," Zander says. "When we juggle or play, we're literally rewiring our brains, enhancing cognitive flexibility and stress resilience in a way no pill can replicate."

Interested in how movement-based play could be integrated into wellness practices within healthcare environments, Zander says, "Bringing play into the healthcare conversation is long overdue. It's a simple, joyful intervention that can transform patient outcomes, reduce burnout for caregivers, and remind us all that wellness includes laughter and lightness."

As professionals in medical settings navigate evolving demands, such as longer hours and increased digital interaction, he believes physical activities may offer a way to reengage sensory awareness and support a more balanced experience. He suggests that rhythmic coordination and sensory stimulation through play might help interrupt habitual patterns and encourage the nervous system toward a more regulated state. "The simple act of juggling can quickly transform your mental state, and add a sense of levity to the clinical setting," says Zander.

In an era marked by fragmented attention and rising mental health challenges, Zander's work offers a refreshing invitation to reconnect. He reimagines play and movement, such as juggling, as an accessible practice that engages both physical movement and perceptual awareness. The coordinated motion can activate both hemispheres of the brain, potentially enhancing neuroplasticity.

For Zander, this blend of physical engagement and cognitive stimulation makes juggling uniquely calming and energizing. Zander emphasizes, "Juggling is more than just a physical exercise; it's a dynamic brain workout. Each toss and catch strengthens neural pathways, helping to improve focus, coordination, and even emotional regulation."

Beyond individual benefits, Zander also reflects on the social dimension of play. He notes that humans possess mirror neurons that respond to others' expressions and actions, which may help foster connection through shared gestures. Simple acts, like tossing a soft ball, can create moments of lightness and interaction. "As a play coach, I've seen firsthand how weaving moments of play into daily routines can be a game-changer for mental health. It's not just child's play. It's a vital, science-backed tool for living well," Zander says.

He also considers how movement-based play might offer a gentle counterbalance to certain patterns of digital consumption. Zander's observations touch on how habitual behaviors, such as extended exposure to emotionally charged content or frequent use of AI tools, may influence aspects of mental engagement over time. He points to research that explores how these patterns could affect emotional responsiveness and attention.

Rather than framing these behaviors in stark terms, Zander encourages a shift toward more intentional movement. He proposes that small, unpressured moments of physical play may help individuals reorient their focus and reconnect with their surroundings. These practices, he suggests, could offer a subtle way to support steadier attention and more engaged social interactions.

Ultimately, Zander's approach invites people to make space for movement and connection in their daily lives. By prioritizing repeatable, low-pressure moments of play, individuals may discover new ways to support emotional balance and foster a sense of presence. His work with HACKiDO™ continues to explore how these practices might contribute to a broader conversation about wellness.