When most of us think of stress management, things like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing may come to mind.
These are fantastic options.
But what about having fun?
Pleasure and fun are powerful antidotes to stress.
Traditional definitions of fun are often about children.
Playfulness, flow, and connection create a sense of “true fun.”
Fun isn’t just a frivolous activity for kids—it can genuinely improve our health and extend our life span. And it makes life so much richer and worth living!
Let’s explore this more!
What Is Your “Fun Score”?
I attended a 2 day personal development event that focused on 7 key areas of life – and my main focus goal was FUN!
Here are some questions to evaluate where you are with fun in your life.
Rate the following on a SCALE from 1 to 10. 1 being LOW/LEAST and 10 being HIGH/MOST
- I easily find free fun in simple everyday life.
- People would say I am a fun person.
- I am a fun person to be around.
- I have fun outside of work at least 3 times per week.
- I try new things often.
- I enjoy, and am having fun in life.
- I would rate fun in my life.
- I have fun and invest time pursuing my personal passion.
- I check off at least one “bucket list” item each year.
- Fun rarely interferes with my responsibilities.
Total possible “FUN SCORE” is 100
There actually is research showing how fun is good for our health!!
Smiling for Your Health
Even just the simple act of smiling can help.
What does psychology have to say about smiling?
Whether your smile is genuine or not, it can act on your body and mind in a variety of positive ways, offering benefits for your health, your mood, and even the moods of people around you.
Smiling can trick your brain by elevating your mood, lowering your heart rate, and reducing your stress.
The smile doesn’t have to be based on real emotion because faking it works as well.
Need support?
Reach out to me at email@drkarenwolfe.org and set up a FREE 15 minute consultation to see where you might begin on your health journey!
