The majority of us go through our lives, taking them very seriously indeed. Everything seems so important: our work, health, and relationships. Life is serious – as people frequently like to point out.
But are things as severe as we’ve been led to believe? Are we creatures of perpetual intensity, continually striving for greatness? Or do we need to take a step back and put our lives in context sometimes?
Many of the happiest and most outgoing people put the concept of fun at the center of their lives. Kids, for instance, see having a good time as an end in itself. They look forward to their next outing or birthday party with great delight, knowing that they will enjoy themselves.
Some of the world’s greatest artists and entrepreneurs also describe what they do as “fun.” They don’t go to work. They wake up every morning and leave the house to play. It’s a crucial difference.
Take for example, blogging for me. Blogging is fun for me. I jump out of bed excited most days to jump into my role of blogging.
Blogging allows for me to combine my passions, education, and skills all while adding value to others in a fun way!
Parents Need To Teach Their Children About The Need For Fun
Modern parenting is surprisingly intense. Moms and dads believe that they need to push their kids to become high-achievers so that they can have good lives. We continually hear stories in the media about how poverty wrecks people’s lives, and that people on low incomes have inadequate life chances. Responsible parents want to avoid that at all costs.
And, I am one of these parents, however, I do include a fair balance of fun and play. Take for example, the blog post I wrote called, Get Out and Play for Family Fun. On that particular day, our goal as a family was to simply put away all of the daily tasks and stressors and just have fun! And, that’s exactly what we did!
On a side note, always striving for achievement, however, creates poverty all of its own. Kids grow up with this endless gnawing sensation that they need to work continually. They never give themselves a break, even if they desperately need one.
Parents, therefore, need to put aside time for pure, carefree fun. It shows kids that they have permission to let rip and unwind without having to focus on anything except their desires; whether it’s going to the park or having a fun party. Find a place to have a party and book it today. Show children that life isn’t wholly serious!
Fun Makes You Smarter
Researchers have also found that when people have fun, they’re smarter. Kids and parents who have parties or go on adventures feel more relaxed, allowing their minds to rest for a while. Research indicates that prolonged periods of fun help to consolidate learning and memories. It means that you have more energy and mental capacity to get the job done when you go back to the fray.
Fun Activities Balances Your Hormones
Not only that, but fun makes you feel good inside. When you let your hormones get out of whack, it can leave you feeling low and irritable. Fun, however, usually involves physical activity. And that can release hormones into your body and make you feel so much better.
People who laugh more, for instance, feel less stress in tense environments. Smiling, it appears, buffers them against the pressures that they face at work, allowing them to deal with problems and issues in their stride.
Fun Makes You More Youthful
Lastly, fun makes you feel more youthful. Kids rarely experience existential angst. Instead, they simply enjoy the world around them for what it is, never really considering anything else. The root of this is fun. It is an all-consuming activity that can help to make you feel, act, and even look younger. Wouldn’t you agree?
What are your thoughts on fun?