For many activities, playing self means

Playing self often refers to engaging in activities autonomously, focusing on personal enjoyment rather than competition or external expectations. In this context, it can manifest in the following ways:

1. **Not Seeing Progress**: When playing for pleasure, individuals may not prioritize tracking their improvement or goals. Instead, they relish the activity itself, regardless of skill advancement.

2. **Wearing Protective Equipment**: Depending on the activity, wearing protective equipment may be less of a priority for individuals focused on self-play or informal enjoyment. For example, casual players may choose comfort over safety gear.

3. **Playing Alone**: Self-play often involves solitary engagement, where the participant enjoys the experience without the need for competition or collaboration. This could be in sports, hobbies, or creative pursuits.

4. **Not Warming Up or Cooling Down**: Those who are playing for fun might skip warm-ups and cool-downs, as the focus is on enjoyment rather than structured routines or injury prevention.

Overall, playing self emphasizes personal experience and intrinsic motivation, often leading to a more relaxed and informal approach to activities.