Feeling the pressure of an AI-driven world? What if the secret to thriving, boosting your brain, and finding genuine joy was surprisingly simple? HACKiDO founder Zander Phelps reveals how rediscovering our human birthright—play—can be the ultimate tool for wellbeing in uncertain times. Are we underestimating its true power?
As the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence reshapes global industries and daily life, a pervasive question lingers for many: how do individuals maintain relevance and cultivate a profound sense of wellbeing amidst such transformative change? This societal shift underscores a critical need to re-evaluate human essentials, especially as the ubiquity of AI can inadvertently diminish active cognitive engagement and foster feelings of helplessness. The profound AI impact on mental states necessitates proactive strategies for resilience and joy.
For Alexander ‘Zander’ Phelps, the visionary founder of HACKiDO™, the answer to navigating this uncertain landscape lies in a deceptively simple yet profoundly powerful concept: the rediscovery of human play. Witnessing the struggles of individuals grappling with a future dominated by automation, Zander advocates for a return to playful activity as a fundamental cornerstone of mental wellness. He posits that while AI serves as an incredible tool, it inadvertently reduces organic brain exercise, contributing to widespread anxiety and a loss of purpose.
Zander asserts that play, in its purest human form, possesses an essence that artificial intelligence can never truly replicate. While AI can simulate actions, it fundamentally lacks the capacity to embody the genuine joy, spontaneous freedom, and innate spirit that define human play. This inherent difference highlights play as an intrinsic human birthright and one of the most potent medicines available for emotional healing and robust cognitive function, distinguishing us from mere algorithms.
Over three decades, Zander has championed this philosophy, extending the benefits of playful engagement to diverse demographics—from school children and corporate executives to individuals in rehabilitation centers and senior living communities. His decades of dedication have proven that engaging in joyful, brain-boosting activities is not a luxury, but an absolute necessity, particularly as contemporary society grapples with soaring rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout, making stress relief through play more crucial than ever.
Among the various playful modalities Zander advocates, juggling stands out as a highly efficient and accessible form of brain training, which he terms the ‘Ultimate Brain Exercise.’ By actively engaging the hands, which he describes as ‘gateways to the brain,’ juggling simultaneously stimulates both hemispheres and strengthens the corpus callosum. This coordinated activity propels the mind into a unique ‘PlayFlowState,’ a profound state of focused engagement akin to mindfulness where cognitive functions are optimized and mental clarity enhanced.
Extensive research corroborates the significant benefits of juggling, linking it to marked improvements in coordination, concentration, and balance. Zander also highlights its immediate physiological impact: cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone, have been observed to plummet almost instantaneously. This rapid reduction in stress underscores play’s profound capacity for brain health and its ability to dissipate unease, offering tangible and immediate relief from daily pressures.
The journey for Zander began in 1995 with a humble footbag, inspiring him to create HACKiDO, which he now calls the ‘Ultimate Play Tool.’ This versatile item, suitable for all ages, from infants to seniors, serves a multitude of purposes—from traditional juggling to providing emotional comfort and facilitating engaging games of catch. Zander passionately encourages individuals to craft their own HACKiDOs, envisioning them as Ambassadors of Play, empowering others to embrace a philosophy of playful living and share the gift of joy.
Emphasizing the universal nature of play, Zander reminds us that it is an inherent part of life, observed in animals, children, and even the natural universe itself. The profound spirit behind play—comprising joy, connection, creativity, and healing—is precisely what AI cannot replicate. These essential human qualities are the very foundations of true wellbeing, offering a beacon of hope and resilience that will undoubtedly guide humanity through the complexities and uncertainties of the present era.
