Now, more than ever, it is vital to prioritise the lighter side of life, not only for our personal joy but for the wellbeing of the communities we inhabit.
Image: Pexels/ Ksenia Chernaya.
In a world often dominated by the weight of responsibilities and the relentless pace of life, the quest for enjoyment can seem elusive.
Yet, research consistently highlights that a sense of joy is an essential component for a fulfilling life.
As "The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again" author, Catherine Price aptly states: “The more fun we have, the more we create connections, reduce stress and improve our emotional health."
Price initiates her journey in this powerful book by asking a simple yet profound question: When was the last time you had fun? And for many, the answer is a hauntingly long time ago.
At the heart of book is the assertion that true fun is an experience that transcends just entertainment. It's about feeling alive, present and free, elements crucial for our mental health and overall well-being.
Price offers a practical, evidence-backed plan to activate more joy and playfulness in our daily routines.
A common thread in her advice is our relationship with technology, significantly altered by our smartphones which, while useful, can also lead us down a path of distraction.
Ditch your cellphone and activate more joy and playfulness in our daily routines.
Image: Pexels/ Iurii Laimin.
In her previous book, "How to Break Up With Your Phone", Price helped readers "break up" with their phones. Now, she presents a roadmap to effectively rebalance life away from screens.
It's a known fact that fun activities can counteract feelings of anxiety and depression, foster greater creativity and even boost productivity at work.
In short, accessing our inner playfulness can lead to significant improvements in mental health, social connections and life satisfaction.
So, how can we embrace joy and find more fun in our everyday life?
Bringing fun into your life doesn’t necessitate radical changes or extravagant expenditures. It can begin with simple alterations to daily routines.
Here are a few insights from "The Power of Fun" on how to infuse everyday life with joy:
Prioritise play: Schedule time for playful activities just as you would for meetings or errands. This could be anything from board games with family to spontaneous dance parties.
Prioritise play: Schedule time for playful activities just as you would for meetings or errands.
Image: Pexels/Tope A. Asokere
Reconnect with nature: Engaging with the outdoors, be it through hiking, picnicking or simply going for a walk.
Seek novel experiences: Challenge your comfort zone and embrace new hobbies or activities. Learning something unfamiliar can reinvigorate your sense of wonder.
Embrace laughter: Surround yourself with those who uplift you. Sharing jokes or watching comedies with friends can foster profound connections and lighten the mood.
Practice mindfulness: Being present in the moment allows you to notice the simple pleasures in life that often go unnoticed, whether it’s a beautiful sunset or a delicious meal.
Incorporating these playful elements can shift our focus from survival to thriving. As individuals begin to see the value in fun, they rediscover aspects of themselves that may have been suppressed by the burden of everyday life.
Now, more than ever, it is vital to prioritise the lighter side of life, not only for our personal joy but for the wellbeing of the communities we inhabit.
After all, fun isn’t just about fleeting happiness, it’s about weaving deeper connections and creating a more vibrant life.