Why Having More Fun is What You Need to Stay Healthy

If you ask a three-year-old, their idea of fun could be as simple as playing with a toy tank or going out for a ride with their parents. A sixteen-year-old could consider partying out with friends as fun. When you ask adults, however, you will find most of them confused, probably because having fun is just another chore that they need to check off their several lists. Well, where’s the fun in that?

Happiness - Just a State of Mind?

Mike Rucker, a psychologist, and the writer of The Fun Habit: How The Disciplined Pursuit of Joy And Wonder Can Change Your Life, rightly puts the difference between happiness and fun in words. 

He says that “[happiness] is a state of mind, but fun is something you can do. It doesn't require education, money, or power. All it requires is intentionality. If happiness is a mirage, fun is your backyard oasis."

In plain terms, this means that even if you’re not really happy, you can have fun. The fun factor could compound to simply having a cup of coffee while chatting with friends, going to comedy clubs, taking dance classes, or going on a short hike. The idea is to do something you enjoy, with the people you enjoy, and/or at a place you love. 

What Do Fun and Health Have in Common?

A lot more than you think!

A recent study showed that 76% of adults experience stress in a way that negatively impacts their health. The common exhibits are fatigue, headache, exhaustion, and depression.

The antidote? Just a little bit of fun! 

Let’s take a look at some of the best parts of the Health-Fun relationship in brief:

• Less Stress

Cortisol, also known as the “stress hormone”, spikes up whenever we are stressed. It can also bring down a body’s ability to fight infections and slow down the process of healing. Having fun can considerably reduce your cortisol levels almost instantly.

• Energy Powerhouse

Who says stress can only be mental? It can also be physically draining as well. Having fun and enjoying leisure activities can not just help you relax but boost your energy levels too. 

P.S. - If your idea of fun is playing football, we cannot guarantee it won’t be physically draining, but it will definitely lift you up!

• Better Coping Mechanism

With all the stress-management strategies out there, it has to be acknowledged that stress is often inevitable and comes to us naturally. While we cannot always do something about it, we sure can still have fun and enhance our ability to cope with the situation. In a pretty basic model, you can think of fun as your savings in a bank. You can take advantage of the reserved energy gained during fun breaks, and use it as the need arises!

• Sound Sleep

As per the American Psychological Association (APA), people with lower levels of stress are more likely to enjoy a good quality sleep compared to those with higher levels of stress. 

It is also stated that taking out time to do something relaxing or enjoying leisure activities can help bring down those tough cortisol and stress levels. This can help you sleep better, which can truly boost your well-being.

• Mammoth Memory

We all know what happens to an overloaded computer or mobile phone. Our brains are no different. Increased serotonin (happy hormones) and reduced cortisol levels help you clear your mind and enjoy a better memory. Thus, having fun can actually help you clear your mind of the unnecessary clutter that prevents you from remembering important things!

How to Recognise Your Fun Magnets?

The definition of fun in the Oxford dictionary is quite simple - (noun) enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure. However, we often wrongly associate this with mindless activities like watching television for hours or scrolling through our Instagram feed.

This shall give us a clearer idea - “Fun generally involves doing something active and intentional, often includes other people, is something you choose for yourself, and can give a thrill that transcends the ordinary” - courtesy of Mike Rucker.

If you’re not sure where to start, your initial steps can include putting your phone away and coming up with three memories that made you feel like you were having a good time.

You can look for common denominators like the kind of activities involved, the people you were with, and the place it all came together at. Ask yourself, what would have made it more memorable? How could it be recreated?

And, hey, don’t forget to smile while planning and having fun!