For people who are tired of just getting through the day
A practical path back to yourself through play
If you're doing all the things but still feel flat, exhausted, or stuck on the hamster wheel, you're not alone. The Element of Play is a practical and deeply human way to reconnect with yourself through play.
Be the first to hear about the book, podcast, course, and practical ways to reconnect through play.
No pressure. Just thoughtful updates, gentle encouragement, and first access as new things begin.
The Element of Play is a book, framework and growing body of work created by Jodi Salmond to help high-functioning adults, leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals reconnect with energy, joy, creativity and themselves.
At its heart, The Element of Play explores how adult play, movement, nature connection, curiosity and creativity can support burnout recovery, self-connection, playful leadership and more sustainable ways of living and working.
This work is for people who may look like they are coping on the outside, but feel flat, tired, disconnected or stuck underneath. It is not about adding more to the to-do list. It is about finding small, real ways back to aliveness, courage, connection and joy.
The Element of Play brings together Jodi's experience as an Australian marine scientist, speaker, author, facilitator and playful leadership coach. Her work bridges ocean connection, behaviour change, citizen science, women's leadership, wellbeing and anti-hustle culture.
This is a timely counterpoint to the cultures and habits that keep capable people running on empty. Jodi's focus on play, presence and authenticity speaks to a more sustainable way of living, leading and performing.
Erin Barnes
Founder of A Human Edge | Human Performance, People & Culture Strategist
Jodi is a rockstar in her own right. Through her charismatic personality and unique use of play, she inspires people to connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change - for themselves, for science, for conservation, and for the environment.
Chris Roelfsema
Associate Professor, Marine Researcher & Academic Director
You can be capable, caring, and holding it all together - and still feel tired, flat, disconnected, or just a bit over it.
So many people have learned how to keep going, keep producing, keep coping, and keep pushing through. But somewhere along the way, life can start to feel heavy, mechanical, or strangely far away.
You are not broken.
You are not failing.
And you are definitely not the only one feeling this way.
Sometimes what's missing is not more pressure, more productivity, or another thing to optimise.
Sometimes what's missing is a way back to yourself.
Play is not a luxury. It's how we come back to life.
The Element of Play is built on a simple belief: play is not frivolous. It is a powerful human tool for restoring energy, resilience, creativity, and connection.
Through play, we soften survival mode.
We create space to breathe again.
We reconnect with ourselves.
And we begin to feel a little more like who we really are.
This is not about being silly for the sake of it.
It is about finding a gentler, more human way forward.
What is The Element of Play?
The Element of Play is a growing body of work exploring the power of play in a burnt-out world.
It brings together ideas, tools, conversations, and experiences designed to help people move from burnout, emotional flatness, and survival mode into greater energy, resilience, and self-connection.
Inside this world, you'll find
a book
a podcast
future courses and resources
practical tools and reflections
ways to reconnect with yourself, one small step at a time
This is for you if…
you're tired of just getting through the day
you're doing all the things but don't feel like you're really living
you feel flat, exhausted, disconnected, or stuck on the hamster wheel
you look like you're coping on the outside, but inside you feel over it
you want more energy, more lightness, and more of yourself back
you're craving a way forward that feels human, calm, and real
Meet Jodi
The person behind the work
Jodi Salmond is a marine scientist, coach, speaker, author, and founder of The Element of Play. Her work helps high-functioning humans move from burnout, survival mode, and emotional flatness into greater energy, resilience, courage, and connection through the practical power of play.
With more than two decades of experience in reef conservation, citizen science, leadership, and community engagement, Jodi brings a rare mix of science, storytelling, humour, and real-life grit to her work. She believes play is not a luxury or a reward for getting everything done - it is a vital tool for living and leading without burning out.
What's coming
The Element of Play is growing, gently and intentionally.
Here's what's on the way
The Book
The Element of Play
A practical and deeply human invitation back to yourself through play.
The Podcast
Conversations & Reflections
Conversations and reflections on play, burnout, and feeling human again.
The Course
Reconnect Through Play
Practical ways to reconnect to yourself through play.
Workshops & Experiences
Go Deeper
Gentle, grounded spaces for people who want to go deeper.
Why trust this work
A gentler, more human way forward
Grounded in lived experience
Shaped by science, communication, and real-world leadership
Supported by a forthcoming book, podcast, and practical tools
Built for people who are tired of just getting through the day
A framework for reconnection
Meet the P.L.A.Y. Method
A practical, deeply human framework for moving from burnout and survival mode back to energy, connection, and a sense of yourself. More details coming soon.
Learn more about The P.L.A.Y. MethodCome with me from the beginning
If this speaks to something in you, join the Play List. You'll be the first to hear about the book, podcast, course, and new ways to reconnect through play.
Join the Play ListNo pressure. Just gentle updates, practical encouragement, and a place to begin.