First Published 22 February 2024

Have we ‘Outgrown’ Fun?

So far this week I have had a number of discussions about play, laughter and fun. And it even came up in the book I am reading (Creativity Inc by Ed Catmull).

The common consensus has been to note a lack of it in our clients and the people we are surround by.

When we are children, we typically spend around 6 hours a day in play.  Unfortunately that quantity decreases drastically as we ‘grow up’.  How we play also changes.

Kids play for the fun and enjoyment of it and maybe to learn – engaging in physical, imaginative and social play.  As adults, we tend to be a lot more structured and goal oriented about our play – perhaps through games (video, board, role play etc) or through hobbies – and our play tends to be more for stress relief or social connection.

But, wouldn’t it be great to turn that on it’s head and go back to playing for the sake of it?  If we switch the focus, there is a high likelihood that we would no longer need to play for stress relief as our stress levels would be lower as standard.

Why did we stop playing though?

• Were we told to ‘grow up’ and stop being so childish?
• Were we told we were wasting our time or not good enough at what we were doing?
• Have we run out of time?  Life is just too busy to do anything but the ‘essentials’?
• Are we concerned or fearful of judgement?
• Are we so time poor that we only do something that we can see quantifiable results from?

What if I were to highlight just a few of the benefits of play?  Would that negate any of the above?  Would you be more inclined to laugh, play and have fun if you could ‘justify’ it? (not that you need to justify enjoying yourself – but some of us need permission to do things that aren’t the ‘norm’)

Play helps activate endorphins, which in turn assists healing.
Play reduces stress and anxiety.
Play helps improve mood and emotional regulation.
Play enhances cognitive function and creativity (which in turn massively helps build our problem solving skills!)
Play encourages social connection and belonging.
Play boosts resilience and coping skills.
Play is fun!

Are you tempted yet?

If you know what lights you up, destresses you and encourages proper belly laughs, I invite you (I’ll even give you permission if that’s what you are waiting for!) to go do whatever it is that works for you (as long as it’s legal! 😳)!

If however you need some inspiration and ideas on what to try, here’s a few things to look into:

• Take up a new hobby – perhaps something involving painting, dancing or music
• Join a team sport – I am aware of a number of netball or 5 a side football groups – go investigate and find one that appeals to you.
• Go outside.  Go for a walk or a run, maybe try wild swimming (if you need someone to hold your coat I might be available 😉) 
• Upcycle some furniture, take on a DIY project, or just make something – anything!
• Do a puzzle, find a funny/sweary adult colouring book that makes you smile
• Find a friend or a few to play games with – again can be board games or video games, in person or online.
• Play with a kid or a pet (get permission from their ‘grown up’ or owner first) – get down to their level and allow them to direct the play
• Take 10 mins and watch something that makes you laugh – shorts/reels on most social media platforms can be good for this (if your algorithm isn’t giving you funny stuff, you can retrain it – happy to help on that one!), a number of the streaming platforms have stand up comedy specials available or sitcom shows too
• Play with some recipes – maybe challenge yourself to a new technique, just for the fun of it!

I’d love to hear how you get on with any of these if you decide to play with them, or share what you come up that makes you smile or giggle.

If you can – find sometime time everyday – even if it’s only 5 mins, you may be surprised at just how much of a difference that can make to your life and wellbeing.

Alternatively, book in for a kinesiology session and I can ‘prescribe’ the right ‘dosage’ of fun for you 😊