“Even though you’re growing up, you should never stop having fun.” ~ Nina Dobrev
“’Have fun’ is my message. Be silly. You’re allowed to be silly. There’s nothing wrong with it.” ~ Jimmy Fallon
This is month 2 in our year of joy-full living. Last month we discussed the magic of tidying up your physical space. This month we will discover falling back in love with fun.
So what’s the last really fun thing you did? Was it so long ago you can’t even remember?
There’s an old sales adage that says people buy emotionally but they justify their purchase with logic. That’s the opposite of how we view fun in our life. We don’t buy into having fun because of other’s emotional needs and override our urge with logic. Logic says we’re too busy, it’s not important, or everyone else’s needs are more important. We get frazzled and flustered and just forget about fun.
Well, here are some interesting tidbits of information that will help you put logic in the back seat and let fun drive for a while.
Did you know that according to research done by Penn State University professor Dr. Careen Yarnal a life without fun is actually unhealthy. Dr. Yarnal says,
“Our research has shown that when women get out there and play, the benefits are amazing. They cope better with stress, which sets up protective mechanisms that contribute to health and well-being. And if they play with others, it creates bonding and they get the benefit of social support, as well. Just as we know play is healthy for children, helping them blow off steam, learn, experiment, and make friends, we’re finding the same to be true for adult women. When it comes to stress prevention, play is like wearing a suit of armor.”
Furthermore, the latest Japanese research revealed that spending as little as 2 hours a month laughing or listening to your favorite music has as big an effect on blood pressure as eliminating salty foods or even shedding 10 pounds!
Have I got your attention yet? So here are some tips on putting the joy of fun back into your life.
Find Fun in Your Flow
What causes you to lose time and get in the flow? Is it riding a bike, reading a novel, knitting, baking, gardening, or hiking? Get back in the flow of those activities. If it’s been so long you can’t remember, try some new ones and see which ones light up your life.
First Fun Then Work
Prioritize fun. There are many things that take up our time that are not necessary. Where can you turn the tables and put fun in front of chores, errands, or other extras in your life? Studies have shown that housework is not an effective cortisol reducer, so it doesn’t lower your stress level whereas play is a sure fire fix. So wouldn’t it feel better to play first and then get to that other stuff from a more renewed place? I bet you get more done with less time.
Fashion Fun with Your Fingers
Do something creative. Let your inner child come out to play. Paint, finger paint, draw, quilt, garden, write, cook, take up a craft. Discover something you can do with your hands that takes you back to your childhood feelings of fun and excitement.
Funky Fun and Fancy Footwork
Add music to your every day life. Have a playlist that brings up your mood and makes you want to move your feet. It’s ok to dance in the kitchen when cooking dinner or doing the dishes. It’s ok to rock out in the morning as you’re getting ready. Play tunes that evoke fun memories or jazz you up for the day ahead. Either way, get out of your head and into your body and have fun.
Fun with Fitness
Here is where you can really be a kid again. You could go to the gym and walk on the treadmill but that’s what all the adults are doing. Why not burn calories hula hooping, jumping rope, or skipping? Find fun in active play and make your logical mind and your inner child happy. You will feel good and feel good about it at the same time!
“Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.” ~ Dr. Seuss
February’s joy-full lesson is to feed your life with jolts of fun. You don’t have to take time off work for a vacation or learn a new skill; just find little ways to insert more fun into your daily life. This month allow yourself to fall in love with fun again.
by Heart Light Digital
