Playing helps us deal with stress and see old problems in a new way. This makes our minds stronger. Researchers have found that employees who play less get tired and burnt out less and are more engaged and creative.
Playing with others helps us resolve conflicts and build empathy, and laughter improves our emotional intelligence and speeds up learning. Additionally, a large Norwegian study found that people with a good sense of humor live an average of eight years longer than those who don’t.
Developing a Fun Mindset
Along with a willingness to be vulnerable, there are a few other things you can do it set your mindset to fun.
Be ready to laugh: You don’t need to crack jokes or seek out funny moments. Just simply be ready to laugh. Sometimes the easiest way to laugh is to laugh at ourselves. Studies show that those who laugh the most may burn more calories, increase their immunity, and find it easier to relax.
Schedule fun: When you’re having fun, it’s almost assured that you will laugh. With our busy schedules of sun up to sun down activity, remembering to have fun isn’t easy. You might think it’s silly to add fun to your calendar, but if you don’t, you may miss out.
Play games: It doesn’t matter if it’s video games, board games, or playing outside. When you play games, your mind thinks creatively, allowing you to relax more and have fun.
Your Health and Fun
It’s well known that high-stress levels hurt biology by making the “fight or flight” hormone cortisol come out. When hormones are out of balance, it’s hard for the body to keep mood, metabolism, and immune response in check. Scientists at Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea, completed a study in 2016 that showed that when we have fun, our bodies release the feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin.
This makes us feel better and helps our cells grow in a healthier way. Hormonal balance is important for the strength of our immune systems and our ability to recover from hard physical activity. Cell growth is also important because it helps the kidneys, lungs, and other organs control how the body works. Some studies have found that activities that make you happy release serotonin, which could help promote neurogenesis or cell growth in the brain.
Summary
At the end of the day, having more fun clears out the cobwebs and helps you feel better, both mentally and physically. Find ways to add more fun to your life, smile, and laugh. You’ll be glad you did!
https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/humor-leadership-stanford-jennifer-aaker-naomi-bagdonas.html
https://bestlifeonline.com/laughter-effects/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27439375/
