In a culture that often rewards multitasking, fast-paced lifestyles, and high productivity, fun is often underrated. Sometimes it seems that the freedom of play I enjoyed as a kid has become a fading memory, a vestige of joy nearly invisible in a world of chaos and increasing demands where doing a lot with a little is a supreme source of pride. At the same time, it’s become a source of health issues, high anxiety, and feelings of failure when we aren’t able to measure up. Ultimately, it leaves us longing for escape.
But what if fun became part of our routine? What if we spent time every day simply having fun? Laughing and telling jokes. Jumping on a trampoline. Doodling with no particular intent. Experimenting with a new recipe. Playing a game of cards. Picking out a new tune on your guitar. However you define fun, what if you embraced it as routine, instead of something you set time aside for? Research shows you may become more creative, boost intelligence, and your stress levels would drop.
When we have fun, magical things start to happen. It gives our brains a rest and stimulates us at the same time. A good laugh gives rise to endorphin rush (Hoare, 2004). Endorphins are our natural feel-good elixir, released in response to pain and stress, but also in response to laughing, physical activity, and giving to others (Berry, 2018). Imagine laughing with friends, going ice skating with the kids, or volunteering at a local retirement home – all sources of endorphin release. And if you enjoy spicy food and dark chocolate, toss it into the mix for an extra boost.
Fun also releases creativity. Even executives are embracing play with LEGO® Serious Play, an evidence-based method to spark innovation and strategic thought through, all through playing with LEGOs. Seriously. And companies such as Google are known for creating work cultures that foster creativity and innovation, in part through embracing fun. And long before Google came on to the scene, 3M introduced the 15% program, “a program at 3M that allows employees to use a portion of their paid time to chase rainbows and hatch their own ideas” (Goetz, 2011). Countless inventions have come about as a result of this “play time”; the most famous perhaps is Post-It-Notes, created by Art Fry during his 15% time.
Here at Health Reveler, we are all about fun and celebration as a source of good health. A reveler, after all, is “a person who is enjoying themselves in a lively way.” We believe in fun. Exercise shouldn’t be torture. It’s simply about moving. Sign up and run or walk a 5k with a group of friends. Spend an afternoon hiking in the woods. Hit the trampoline park (it’s a blast!) Sign up for a slow flow yoga class. Movement, community, and fun lead us to creativity, contentment, and joy.
References
Berry, J. (2018). Endorphins: Effects and how to increase levels. Medical News Today. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320839.php#boosting-endorphins
Forbes Technology Council. (2018). 13 Reasons Google Deserves Its ‘Best Company Culture’ Award. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/02/08/13-reasons-google-deserves-its-best-company-culture-award/#d10804348289
Goetz, G. (2011). How 3M Gave Everyone Days Off and Created an Innovation Dynamo. Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.fastcompany.com/1663137/how-3m-gave-everyone-days-off-and-created-an-innovation-dynamo
Hoare, J. (2004). The best medicine: when we laugh, the ensuing endorphin rush makes us feel better. So, we can stimulate relief from stress or pain just by having fun. Nursing Standard, 19 (14-16). Retrieved from https://go.gale.com/ps/anonymous?id=GALE%7CA126933589&sid=googleScholar&v=2.1&it=r&linkaccess=abs&issn=00296570&p=HRCA&sw=w
Lego.com. LEGO Serious Play. Retrieved from https://www.lego.com/en-us/seriousplay