3 Ways to Add Fun Into Your Day and Combat Stress
Want to know the secret of consistent emotional health? Read and find three easy tips!
By Guest Contributor Rachel Dunne, of spiritualstepmom.com
FUN.
Why do we tend to think about kids when we hear this word?
Yes, I know that most kids live for fun, but what if I told you that even as adults, we literally NEED fun in our lives if we want to be emotionally healthy? Folks, I am not talking about a family vacation twice a year here (and let’s be honest, a vacation with kids is not an actual vacation), I am talking about incorporating pleasurable moments into every single day of your week so that you can build the resilience you need to live your best life and boldly face any challenge that comes your way.
Here are some of the benefits of having fun:
*It Increases serotonin and produces endorphins, which are both mood-boosting chemicals in the brain.
*It fights anxiety and depression.
*It Improves relationships and by making us feel more connected with others.
*It reduces the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
*It promotes healing of the mind and body.
*It reduces stress, fear, and anger.
*It improves sleep!
*It makes us more resilient and better at coping.
*It slows aging.
If that list didn’t convince you that you need more fun in your life, then you probably need some counseling for that (don’t worry, we can help with that, too).
For those of you who are ready to do this thing, it's important to keep in mind that fun means something different for everyone, so the first thing you need to do is stop and jot down some ideas about what you know sparks that childlike joy inside of you.
For some of you that might mean snuggling up in your favorite blanket and reading a romance novel, while others (I am others) may prefer blaring “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” in the kitchen and silly dancing until your kids literally beg you to stop.
For a lot of you, life as a grownup has been all work and no play, so it’s hard enough to even imagine having fun, let alone coming up with ideas on how to have more of it!
So, here are a few easy, practical ideas to help you HAVE FUN.
1) PLAY A GAME.
Games challenge our brain and help us to use parts of our brain that fight anxiety and depression. They also help our brains stay sharp and prevent aging! The best games are the ones played with your friends and family as they foster bonding and connection.
As humans, we are created for connection and in fact, we are the happiest when we are in connection with others. You could even try having a game night once week! There’s nothing my family loves more than sitting at a table together and playing crazy eights on a Friday night. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no, video games do not count, because they actually hurt your mental health!
2) GET OUT IN NATURE.
Feeling lazy? Go put a blanket out in the front yard and work on your tan while you read a good magazine or talk to a friend on the phone. Feeling energetic? Jump on a bike (or an adult scooter if you’re special like my husband) and really notice all the beautiful trees, curious creatures, or if you live in the south like me, the demon-possessed yellow flies, all around you.
Did you know that just being in nature has been shown to inhibit the fear centers in our brain, and even promotes peace and healing in both our minds and bodies? There is just something special about soaking in the majesty of God’s creation, and it’s always just sitting right outside your door waiting to be discovered!
3) DANCE.
You know what’s so great about dancing? You can do it literally anywhere, anytime- although I don’t suggest breaking out the macarena in the middle of a meeting with your boss. If you’re the awkward type that actually gets embarrassed by their own dance moves, then just watch a video on the cupid shuffle or the electric slide and boogie woogie your way into a better mood. Whatever you do, don’t take yourself too seriously. Silly dance until you cannot help but laugh at yourself. The FUN-nier the better!
Humor is so amazing for your mental health! My favorite time to dance is right when I wake up in the morning, because it’s such a great way to get rid of all of those excess stress hormones. What can I say? It just really starts my day off on the right foot…left foot…two stomps this time.
Unfortunately, stress is a part of daily life and there’s nothing we can do to get out of it.
BUT. We can find ways to mitigate the negative impact of stress on our life by balancing out the stress with fun! The best part is, the more fun you have, the more the benefits just keep compounding! Try to fit at least thirty minutes of fun into each day and watch how your life changes!
Kid-tested, ADULT-APPROVED!
Guest Contributor, Rachel Dunne is a Stepfamily Foundation Certified Coach in Alabama and founder of www.spiritualstepmom.com. You can find her on Instagram, sharing her blended family life and life hacks @spiritualstepmom.
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