Why You Should Prioritize Fun for Better Health

We live in a digital age where productivity and success often top our priority lists. But have we sidelined something essential for our well-being—fun? As Catherine Price brilliantly explores, fun is a combination of playfulness, connection, and flow[1]. In this article, we'll uncover the science behind each of these elements and how they contribute to a healthier, happier you.

Playfulness

Playfulness isn't just a trait that we admire in children; it's a tangible quality with meaningful adult applications as well. A study published in 2019 in the journal 'Frontiers in Psychology' confirmed that playful behavior has a direct effect on lowering stress hormone levels, notably cortisol[2].

In addition to reducing stress, the study illuminated some other remarkable benefits. Engaging in playful activities was shown to improve mood and cognitive functions. Playfulness was interestingly even associated with heightened creativity[2]. All of these factors seem to underscore the importance of integrating more playfulness into your daily life, regardless of your age.

Now that we know how vital playfulness is, let's explore another indispensable element which is connection.

Connection

The value of having stronger social connections in our lives isn't just a feel-good notion; it is actually a fact that's been rigorously studied and validated. One of the most significant pieces of evidence comes from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has spanned over eight decades. This longitudinal study unequivocally demonstrated that quality relationships are a key factor in long-term happiness[3].

The Harvard study also expanded our understanding by highlighting the potential health benefits of strong social ties. The research pointed out that individuals that have quality relationships had lower instances of chronic diseases compared to those who lacked those connections[3]. It appears that nurturing deep social ties does much more than make you happy; it can significantly contribute to your overall health and well-being.

As we build these meaningful connections, we also open the door for the state of flow.

Flow

The term 'flow' may sound like an abstract concept, but its implications are indeed very real and beneficial. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the psychologist responsible for coining the term, has shown through his research that individuals who frequently experience flow have higher self-esteem and greater overall life satisfaction[4].

Csikszentmihalyi's findings are also not just his own; they are complemented by additional scientific research. A study published in the 'Journal of Positive Psychology' in 2017 supports the idea that flow states actually have the power to improve mental well-being. The study specifically linked flow states to lower rates of anxiety and depression[5]. This means that achieving a state of flow can be seen as more than simply a momentary pleasure; it could play a vital component for long-term emotional and mental health.

But what do all these have in common? A surprise element that ties them all together, and this my friends is fun!

The Fun Paradox

Life often feels like a nothing more than a checklist. We endlessly chase our latest goals, spend way too much time comparing ourselves to others, and we follow the rules thinking that this will lead the way to more happiness. But we must not forget about fun! It's not a 'nice-to-have'; it's a 'need-to-have.'

Fun isn't some kind of distraction from success or happiness; it's a clear path toward more of these things. The people who don't believe this is possible might not understand that having fun can make you happier, more balanced, and even more productive in your life and work. You're not some kind of robot programmed to simply perform a pre-defined set of tasks all day. You're a wonderfully complex human who deserves to smile, to laugh, and to enjoy life's little delights as much as possible.

So the next time someone downplays the value of injecting more fun into your life, maybe you can share this article with them. Adding more fun into your life is like adding a surprise plot twist to a story you thought you knew by heart. Keep fun on your daily to-do list, and watch how it begins to transform your everyday experiences.

The Road from Paradox to Practice

After diving into the fun paradox, you might be thinking, "Great, I get it. Fun is essential. But how do I make it a real part of my life?" It's one thing to understand the importance of fun, and quite another to weave it into the tapestry of your daily life. That's where the real-world applications come into play, and a little creativity doesn't hurt either.

Whether you find your joy in the peaceful solitude of nature, the introspective pages of a journal, or the vibrant energy of community gatherings, the next section offers you a few practical ways to infuse your life with situations that can help to inspire new opportunities for playfulness, connection, and flow in your life. Think of these as your starter toolkit for turning the abstract into the actionable.

The Playground of Playfulness

Who says playgrounds are just for kids? Nature walks offer the adult version of a playground where you can engage in playfulness. The rustle of leaves, the chirping of birds—they're not just pleasant, they're playground equipment for your senses! These elements pull you into a state of playful attention, and they also happen to be scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones and elevate your mood.

Connecting with Your Inner Self

It's like a coffee date with yourself. Journaling, particularly maintaining a 'Joy Journal,' helps you form a deep connection with your inner world. When you write down what brings you joy, you're creating a blueprint of your own happiness. This form of connection with yourself contributes to overall emotional health and, guess what, it also adds a sprinkle of fun into your self-care routine.

A Symphony of Flow

When you're deeply involved in a group activity that you absolutely love, whether it's a game night, a community dance class, or a charity event, you may find yourself easily falling into this state of flow. It's like each person is an instrument, and together you're making a symphony where everyone is so engrossed that time just flies right on by. This state is not just fun; it’s a form of collective joy that uplifts everyone involved.

Conclusion

Integrating playfulness, connection, and flow into your life isn't just a pursuit of temporary happiness; it's a scientifically-backed strategy for long-term emotional and physical well-being. So don't consider fun a 'diversion.' See it as a mission-critical aspect of your life. When we listen to the wisdom of researchers and 'Fun Ambassadors' like Catherine Price, we unlock the full spectrum of human experience—making each day not just endurable, but truly enjoyable.

A big, joyful shoutout to Catherine Price, the 'Fun Ambassador' who inspired us to take playfulness seriously! Thank you so much for your brilliant talk, we love your message so much! Her TED talk is a playground of wisdom—slide on over and give it a watch here. 

"I have a lot of growing up to do. I realized that the other day inside my fort." —Zach Galifianakis

References 

1. Catherine Price, The Power of Fun.
2. Proyer, R.T., Brauer, K., Wolf, A., "Playfulness and Stress: Preliminary Results on the Role of Playfulness in the Experience of Stress," Frontiers in Psychology, 2019.
3. The Harvard Study of Adult Development.
4. Csikszentmihalyi, M., "Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience," 1990.
5. Harmison, R.J., "Peak Performance in Sport and Exercise," Journal of Positive Psychology, 2017.