Often Overlooked Aspect of Your Well-Being

Do you ever reminisce about all the fun things you used to do as a kid? I used to bike with friends for hours on end, toboggan down a hill on school lunch trays (we all wiped out), and be silly with friends during recess (the best!!). However, as we get older, that lighthearted feeling of playfulness and giddy excitement seems to fade over time.

You might say that we have less fun because the novelty of many experiences is lost, and that is true. But it's also true that life becomes more "serious" as we age. You hold yourself to high standards at work, life goals become higher stakes, your responsibilities grow, and life is always throwing curveballs at you. Inevitably, we end up with fewer opportunities to just have fun.

Not all fun is the same

In The Power of Fun, Catherine Price explores the transformative effects of fun on our well-being. Making time for fun can reduce stress, improve relationships, boost creativity, and enhance happiness.

However, not all fun is the same. Price introduces a concept of true fun which is a combination of 3 elements:

1) Playfulness: activities with a lighthearted, spontaneous attitude, without worrying about the outcome

2) Connection: meaningful interactions with others where you share experiences

3) Flow: becoming fully absorbed such that you "lose track of time"

Although watching TV is "fun", it only taps into a flow state, without a sense of play or social connection. In contrast, activities like hosting a trivia night or enjoying a potluck picnic encompass all three elements of true fun, making them more likely to become cherished memories.

Recently, my friends and I went to Activate which features a number of agility games. We weaved and tumbled through a grid of lasers (like in a spy movie), climbed on walls, and ran around a mega-grid. It was an hour of laughter and frantic play, and it felt like we were kids again.

Of course, there is way more to a fulfilled life than just playing. But by remembering to seek out more "true fun", we can feel more alive. Speaking of fun, I just signed up for this year's Tough Mudder Toronto. It's an obstacle course where you work together with others. Playfulness? ✔️ Connecting with people? ✔️ Flow state? ✔️ I absolutely can't wait!

What about you?

Take a moment to think about what brings you joy and laughter. Plan a fun activity with friends, pick up a new hobby together, or simply allow yourself to be more playful in your daily routine. Embrace the pursuit of fun and make it a priority! 😄

Join me on a journey to redesign life, one step at a time! 👊