5. Make life a playful adventure
Sometimes it’s hard to simply “let go” or “go with the flow.” Those are both nebulous concepts. Sometimes you need to focus on what you’re injecting into your life in the place of where the stress and constriction used to be.
This is where a developing mindset of curiousity, playfulness, and adventure.
The whole point of this course is to help you ENJOY your current life. Often the quickest way to JOY is injecting FUN and PLAY into our everyday lives.
Take a moment and try to remember a fun, vivid memory from when you were a small, child between the ages of 3-6. Can you imagine the whole scene- where you were, what sights, smells, tastes, sensations you were feeling at the time?
Small children typically are hyper focused on right now, full of curiousity and wonder, and most of the time are not worrying about the past or future. They see things simply, exactly as they are, without imposing any judgements or value. They exist in a natural state of mindfulness. They don’t really have a ton of cares, they simply LIVE. And they have way more fun than the rest of us because they PLAY. Even in moments of stress or hardship, children instinctively play.
Playfulness and laughter are a huge key to happiness. Try to be miserable while laughing- it’s pretty damn near impossible. Playfullness and laughter work on several levels:
Brain Bioscience: Laughter releases endorphins, natural pain killers, that bring on a relaxed, content state.
Small children are naturally in a constant state of mindfulness. They typically are hyper focused on right now, full of curiousity and wonder, and most of the time are not worrying about the past or future. They see things simply, exactly as they are, without imposing any judgements or value.
They exist in a natural state of mindfulness.
They don’t really have a ton of cares, they simply LIVE. And they have way more fun than the rest of us.
Childhood was fun because you got to PLAY.
The whole point of this course is to help you ENJOY your current life. Often the quickest way to JOY is injecting FUN and PLAY into our everyday lives.
Playfulness and laughter are a huge key to happiness. Try to be miserable while laughing- it’s pretty damn near impossible. Playfullness and laughter work on several levels:
Brain Bioscience: your
How can you “play” more?
Crack jokes. Be cheeky. Don’t be afraid to be a little silly, or jovial.
Laughter is naturally contagious and fosters bonds between people. If you make someone laugh, you are instantly connected.
First of all, laughter is so good for your body.
Studies have found laughter:
Boosts immunity
Lowers stress hormones
Decreases pain
Relaxes your muscles
Eases anxiety and tension
Relieves stress
Improves mood
Strengthens resilience
“Be more spontaneous. Humor gets you out of your head and away from your troubles.
Let go of defensiveness. Laughter helps you forget resentments, judgments, criticisms, and doubts.
Release inhibitions. Your fear of holding back is pushed aside.
Express your true feelings. Deeply felt emotions are allowed to rise to the surface.”-not my writing, taken from website- rework.
But don’t some environments call for seriousness, like work?
Sure, many work environments require some degree of seriousness. But take a moment to think of someone you’ve encountered that lights up their workplace. Also think of someone who is astoundingly good at what they do. Odds are, that person exudes a certain level of levity, energeticness, maybe even joy. Other people are naturally attracted to fun people. The people who have fun at work (while also doing a good job) make the work look effortless and inspire others to be better. Additionally, creating jovial moments with laughter at work have also been scientifically shown to increase team bonding, strengthen coworker relationships, defuse conflicts, and enhance teamwork and creativity.
This goes for parents as well. I’ve heard parents say they’re kids won’t take them seriously if they have too much fun. But discipline and joy can be practiced simultaneously. Don’t be afraid to let your kids seeing you having fun! You can be a FUN parent AND a parent that strictly sticks to the rules. It’s also the easiest way to bond with your kids, as play is their language. And best yet, if you’re kids are in a cranky mood, being an all-out goofball in front of them is a sure way to invite in some healing laughter.
Look for opportunities to try something new or seek adventure.
Regularly schedule time to “explore” your current (or another) city. Odds are there are jems right in your town you haven’t yet discovered. Ask around, google. Seek out fun events, concerts, and excursions. You may say to yourself you don’t have the time, that you should be working or cleaning, or some other obligation that does not bring joy. Remind yourself that you own your time, and if something is scheduled, you will go! Also remind yourself you are not waiting until retirement to enjoy your life. Live your best life now!
Also look at hardships as an adventure, or an opportunity to learn, stretch out of your comfort zone, and grow.
Try to look at the situation through a lense of curiousity.
Ask yourself: what is this teaching me? How can I make the most out of this situation? How can I use my own creative power to make something beautiful out of the difficult?
How can you “play” more?
Crack jokes. Be cheeky. Don’t be afraid to be a little silly, or jovial.
But don’t some environments call for seriousness, like work?
Sure, many work environments require some degree of seriousness. But take a moment to think of someone you’ve encountered that lights up their workplace. Also think of someone who is astoundingly good at what they do. Odds are, that person exudes a certain level of levity, energy, humor, and maybe even joy. Other people are naturally attracted to fun people. The people who have fun at work (while also doing a good job) make the work look effortless and inspire others to be better. Additionally, creating jovial moments with laughter at work have also been scientifically shown to increase team bonding, strengthen coworker relationships, defuse conflicts, and enhance teamwork and creativity.
This goes for parents as well. I’ve heard parents say their kids won’t take them seriously if they have too much fun. But discipline and joy can be practiced simultaneously. Don’t be afraid to let your kids seeing you having fun! You can be a fun parent AND a parent that strictly sticks to the rules. It’s also the easiest way to bond with your kids, as play is their language. And best yet, if you’re kids are in a cranky mood, being an all-out goofball in front of them is a sure way to invite in some healing laughter.
Mindset of life as an adventure.
Look for opportunities to try something new or seek adventure.
Be spontaneous.
Also look at hardships as an adventure, or an opportunity to learn, stretch out of your comfort zone, and grow.
Try to look at the situation through a lens of curiousity.
Ask yourself: what is this teaching me? How can I make the most out of this situation? How can I use my own creative power to make something beautiful out of the difficult?
Regularly schedule time to “explore” your current (or another) city. Odds are there are jems right in your town you haven’t yet discovered. Ask around, google. Seek out fun events, concerts, and excursions. You may say to yourself you don’t have the time, that you should be working or cleaning, or some other obligation that does not bring joy. Remind yourself that you own your time, and if something is scheduled, you will go! Also remind yourself you are not waiting until retirement to enjoy your life. Live your best life now!
