Immerse Yourself in Fun

by Buffy Owens

As adults we sometimes lose ourselves in the serious grown up world of how to tend to our health and well-being, work, relationships and responsibilities. Somehow the joy of fun takes the back burner. If you are feeling overwhelmed, tired, stressed out or generally out of sorts then a dose of good ol’ fashion fun may be just what you need.

As children we were natural fun seekers – curious, creative and ready to laugh at any moment. In fact we would go out of our way to avoid anything that was too serious! We may have been onto something as research shows that people who take time to play are healthier physically and emotionally. When we are enjoying ourselves our bodies are more relaxed, feel good hormones are released and less stress in general is being placed on our bodies.

Now we have to admit that responsibility is a crucial part of our lives and an essential one at that. But as adults we need to make sure we keep a healthy balance and inject a little bit of fun everyday.

A few hints for bringing more fun into your life:

Make a fun list. Write down all the activities you long to do more of – whether they’re things that make you happy, relaxed or connect you with others. For example: go for a swim, put on your favorite album and dance like no one is watching, have a banter of one-liners with a close friend, host a tea party, explore the world. When your schedule is hectic or you’re feeling like a wet-blanket simply pull out your list and schedule at least one fun feature into your weekly schedule.

Try something new. According to Marian C. Diamond’s, author of Successful Aging of the Healthy Brain, “it is not enough to continue activities in the same groove, year after year... the brain needs new challenges if it is to remain a healthy, functioning organ.” And remember, while you're out there experimenting and trying new things, give yourself permission to fail or be embarrassed in your pursuit. Simply remind yourself that not trying is the greater failure.

Take time to Play! One of my favorite definitions of play is “activity aimed at having fun.” And I believe that Lenore Terr captured it best in her book BEYOND LOVE AND WORK: Why Adults Need to Play when she said: “When we play, we sense no limitations. In fact, when we are playing we are usually unaware of ourselves. Self-observation goes out the window. We forget all those past lessons of life, forget our potential foolishness, forget ourselves. We immerse ourselves in the act of play. And we become free.”

So my challenge to you this month is to take some time to think about what fun means to you and how you can bring more enjoyment to your approach to health and well being, family, friends, and everyday life.

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www.consciousmovements.com