The Power of Play: Why Fun and Laughter Are Vital for a Thriving Life
Next time you're at the playground, jump on that swing—your inner child called and said it’s your turn to fly!
We don’t stop playing because we grow old - we grow old because we stop playing!
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind. Many of us pour so much energy into our careers that we forget about something equally important: the need to play and rest. The more I engage in coaching and hear people’s stories, the clearer it becomes that prioritizing fun and relaxation is not a luxury; it’s essential for a healthy, balanced life.
Work Hard, Play Hard: The Case for Fun
In my own life, I prioritize hiking, weekend trips, and longer vacations to recharge and reconnect with nature. I also value spending time with friends, whether it’s through shared outings, meaningful conversations, or simply enjoying each other’s company. I also enjoy cultural activities like attending the theatre and opera, and bike riding keeps me active and grounded. These moments of joy and rest help me return to my work and life with a fresh perspective.
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s an essential part of adult life that too often gets overlooked. Engaging in fun activities, whether a hobby, a game, or a spontaneous adventure, sparks creativity, reduces stress, and enhances productivity. These moments refresh the mind and soul, offering renewed energy to navigate life’s challenges with a fresh perspective.
As Plato famously said, "You can learn more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation." Play fosters connection, breaks down barriers, and deepens relationships. So make time to play—not just for yourself, but with others—to strengthen bonds and bring more joy into your life.
As Brené Brown, a renowned researcher and author known for her work on vulnerability and wholehearted living, wisely said, “Play is not an option. In fact, play is a biological necessity. It’s as important to our health as sleep or nutrition.”
Ideas to Incorporate Fun and Laughter
If you’re ready to embrace the benefits of play and rest, here are some ideas to get started:
Vacations
Taking a break from your usual environment can do wonders for your mental and physical health. Whether it’s a beach getaway or exploring a new city, vacations allow you to step away from daily responsibilities and reset your mind.
Staycations
Don’t have the time or budget for a vacation? A staycation can be just as effective. Turn off your phone, explore local attractions, or simply lounge at home with a good book or movie.
Take a Mental Health Day
Give yourself permission to pause, decompress, and recharge. Use this day to hike, read, or simply bask in doing absolutely nothing—without guilt. Sometimes, a full day off is the best way to reset.
Daily Moments of Joy
You don’t need a grand event to invite laughter into your day. Try setting a “laugh alarm” where, at a certain time, you do something silly—make up a ridiculous dance move, speak in an exaggerated accent for five minutes, or challenge a friend or family member to a joke battle. Crank up the music and dance around the house for no reason—whether it’s a full-on performance or just some goofy moves while making coffee, let loose and move however you feel! Carry a small notebook of jokes, funny memories, or silly doodles to pull out whenever you need a quick mood boost.
Schedule Downtime: Plan for Play
Laughter thrives when you make space for it. Plan activities that naturally invite joy—board games with goofy rules, improv nights with friends, storytelling where you have to make up the wildest ending, or even learning something new that’s bound to make you laugh at yourself (like attempting to juggle or hula hoop). The key? Let go of being "good" at something and enjoy the process instead.
The Ripple Effect
When you prioritize play and rest, the benefits extend beyond your own life. You become a more patient parent, a more creative employee, and a more engaged friend. Your energy becomes contagious, inspiring those around you to also find balance.
So, give yourself permission to pause, play, and breathe. Life isn’t just about checking off to-do lists or climbing career ladders. It’s about enjoying the journey, finding joy in the small things, and making time to simply be. By embracing the power of play and rest, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also create a ripple effect of positivity in the lives of those around you.
Until Next Time,
Wendy
