The Forgotten Art Of Fun: Why We Need To Play More in Every day scata

From Forbes
by Soulaima Gourani

Feb 8, 2024,10:15pm EST
A leader once shared with me a unique practice she upholds to sprinkle joy into her life: she carries a plastic bag filled with confetti in her purse. This isn’t just for decoration. Wherever she may be, in hotel rooms or meeting spaces, she creates her own confetti storm to celebrate the high points of her life. This simple act is her way of ensuring fun is never too far away.
Another leader revealed a moment of self-discovery that unfolded in an unexpected conversation with an employee. The question was simple: “What do you find fun?”
Yet, it led to a profound realization—she couldn’t remember the last time she truly had fun. Her life, it seemed, had inadvertently become devoid of it. This epiphany prompted her to reflect on her past passions. She recalled the joy of ice skating in her younger years, a hobby she had left behind. Now, at 52, she’s not only returned to the ice but is also excelling in competitions. Her story is a testament to the timeless nature of true joy and the importance of reconnecting with our passions.
Similarly, a venture capitalist I know recently turned to ballet classes as a means to rediscover the fun in life. This decision wasn’t about mastering ballet or preparing for performances but about finding joy in movement and challenging herself in new ways.
These leaders are charting a course for us to follow, demonstrating that it’s never too late to reintegrate fun into our lives. Whether through confetti storms, revisiting old hobbies, or embarking on entirely new adventures, the message is clear: allowing ourselves moments of pure joy is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Their stories remind us that in the midst of our busy lives, we must not forget to celebrate the little victories, explore our long-lost interests, and most importantly, make space for fun.
In today’s fast-paced world, where professional achievements and productivity metrics often define success, the concept of ‘fun’ can seem frivolous, especially to adults. Yet, research reveals that engaging in leisure activities is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity for mental health, creativity, and overall well-being.

The Importance of Play
The American Psychological Association highlights that leisure activities can significantly reduce stress and depression. Studies show that individuals who regularly engage in hobbies and fun activities report lower stress levels and feelings of happiness and fulfillment. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology found that participants who engaged in leisure activities were 34% less stressed and 18% less sad during the activities.

Breaking the Cycle of Monotony
Adult life is often a juggling act of responsibilities, leading to a cycle of monotony that can stifle creativity and joy. Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, asserts that play is essential for problem-solving and creativity. Engaging in play can spark innovation, as it allows the mind to explore, experiment, and take risks in a low-stakes environment. Google’s 20% project, where employees are encouraged to spend 20% of their time on projects they’re passionate about, has led to the creation of some of the company’s most innovative products, including Gmail and AdSense, demonstrating the value of play in fostering creativity and innovation.

Economic and Social Benefits
The benefits of play extend beyond individual well-being to economic advantages. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that companies with strong “fun cultures” are more effective in attracting and retaining employees. Moreover, engaging in fun activities can enhance social bonds and improve communication skills, which are crucial in both personal and professional settings.

How to Incorporate More Fun into Your Life
Identify what you enjoy: Start by reflecting on activities that bring you joy or pique your interest. If you can’t remember the last time you had fun, ask those around you when they last saw you laugh. Their responses could give you hints about what activities you enjoy. Or how about creating a playlist of music that brings back memories of dancing and joy can be a wonderful way to reconnect with your past self and uplift your spirits.
Schedule time for play: Just as you would for a meeting, schedule regular time slots for leisure activities.
Try new things: Open yourself up to new experiences; it can be as simple as taking a different route on your walk or trying a new hobby.
Connect with others: Join a church, clubs or groups that share your interests. Social interaction can enhance the fun and provide motivation.
Incorporating play into our adult lives is crucial for our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It fosters creativity, relieves stress, and strengthens relationships. So, the next time you consider skipping that hobby you love for the sake of productivity, remember that play is not just a diversion—it’s a vital part of living a balanced, fulfilling life. Have more fun!