Are You Having FUN?
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw
When was the last time you had real fun - genuinely laughing, feeling lighthearted, and losing track of time in a good way?
As adults, many of us forget what fun even feels like. Somewhere along the way, we adopt beliefs like:
· “Fun is for kids”
· “I’m too busy”
· “I’ll have fun when everything else is done.”
Sound familiar?
Fun often gets buried beneath responsibilities, expectations, and the pressure to be productive. Did you know that fun can boost our energy, nurture our mental and emotional health, deepen relationships, and remind us why life is worth living?
10 Benefits of Having More Fun
1. Boosts Mental Health
Fun triggers feel-good brain chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, helping reduce stress and elevate mood.
2. Strengthens Relationships
Shared laughter and playful moments build connection and trust.
3. Reduces Stress
Fun helps shift your body out of fight-or-flight and into a calmer, more restful state.
4. Increases Energy & Motivation
Taking time for play actually helps you feel more energized and focused afterward.
5. Enhances Creativity
A playful mind is more open, flexible, and innovative.
6. Supports Physical Health
Laughter and joy can lower cortisol, strengthen the immune system, and even benefit heart health.
7. Promotes Personal Growth
Trying new things fosters confidence and resilience.
8. Helps You Reconnect with Yourself
Fun reminds you who you are beyond your roles and responsibilities.
9. Encourages Presence
When you’re having fun, you’re fully in the moment – not stuck in the past or worrying about the future.
10. Adds Meaning to Life
Fun brings joy, purpose, and lightness to your everyday experience.
What’s Your Kind of Fun?
In her book The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin explores how making time for fun is key to happiness. Some of her best insights include:
· Discover what’s actually fun for you.
Just because something looks fun on social media doesn’t mean it’s fun for you. Follow your own joy.
· Make fun a priority.
Rubin realized she often let obligations crowd out joy, so she started scheduling play into her routine.
· Embrace your quirky side.
From dancing in the living room to collecting figurines, she gave herself permission to enjoy “silly” things simply because they made her smile.
· Be lighthearted.
Playfulness adds magic to life. You don’t need a reason to laugh or be silly.
· Remember: fun is not a luxury.
It’s a vital part of your emotional, mental, and even spiritual well-being.
20 Ways to Have More Fun as an Adult
Need some inspiration? Here are 20 ideas to get you started:
Try a new hobby – painting, pottery, or whatever sparks curiosity.
Dance it out – put on music and move like no one’s watching.
Take a spontaneous day trip – explore somewhere new.
Host a game night – board games, charades, trivia.
Attend a local event – art fair, live music, or a festival.
Play a sport – no scoreboard, just movement and fun.
Plan a themed movie night – costumes encouraged.
Take a just-for-fun class – improv, cooking, or dance.
Have a picnic – outdoors + snacks = instant joy.
Fly a kite or blow bubbles – reconnect with your inner child.
Visit an amusement park – playtime!
Do a DIY food tour – try new restaurants or cuisines at home.
Get crafty – make candles, cards, or scrapbooks.
Build a blanket fort – why not? Bonus: nap inside.
Explore a museum or zoo – with curiosity, not a checklist.
Play in nature – climb trees, skip stones, splash in puddles.
Watch something funny – laughter is the best medicine.
Plan a themed dinner party – dress up and get creative.
Join a group – book club, hiking group, or creative meetup.
Learn a magic trick or how to juggle – just for the joy of it.
What’s Your Play Personality?
According to the National Institute for Play, we all have a unique play personality – from the Explorer to the Joker to the Kinesthete. Take the quiz here to find out yours! (I’m an Explorer – what about you?)
Final Thoughts
Fun doesn’t require a big budget, a lot of time, or anyone’s permission. It does require intention. Give yourself this gift.
So…How will you have fun today?