Just have some fun

Fun is something we all want to have.   And don’t get enough of it.  We look forward to having fun and do our best to plan activities that we find enjoyable.   But few of us realize just how important it is.  We forget that great feeling we get from a laugh, time with friends, or just enjoying ourselves.  We forget how to play, how to let go, how to just be in the moment.

Fun, enjoyable, low-stress activities are necessary for not only our physical health but our mental well-being.  When you laugh, it improves your mood.  Lightens the load on your body mentally.  It induces physical changes in your body. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain. https://www.mayoclinic.org/

Sometimes we get so caught up in the grind that we forget just how much fun, the fun can be.  Sure, there is the long-awaited vacation that may or may not ever happen.  Weekend getaways that are too far apart and seem more stressful than they are worth.   But what about just meeting someone in person and having a good laugh?   Not going over the miseries of day-to-day life but enjoying the moment.  Taking a few hours out of our busy weeks to have a good conversation, meet someone new, or try a new restaurant with a friend.  Connection and connecting is important.

Yes, self-care would have us taking long walks in the woods or relaxing on the beach. Enjoying the sunset.    These do make us slow down and appreciate the little things.   Reading a book, binge-watching, or a bubble bath.  They do relieve the stress in our lives. These are all good things as well.  They do not make up for the fun, playful things we do with other people.

When was the last time you shared a good laugh in real time with someone else?  When was the last time you were just out having fun?  You didn't have to meditate or focus your mind because you are having such an enjoyable time that your mind automatically stayed in the moment.  You were truly present without having to think about it.   Time sped up, and your mind wasn’t looking for a way out or thinking about the next thing on the to-do list. That's when you know you're really having a good time. 

Planning to go out is sometimes stressful. There are times when we really just want to stay home and binge another show.   It is comfortable and easy, and we don’t have to worry about parking or clean clothes.  Forcing ourselves out of our comfort zone is a good thing.  For no other reason than we did something that we didn't do yesterday.  We tried to make our lives a little better in some small way.  The rut we have turned into our lives into gets a little less deep with every try.

People need people.  No matter how antisocial or introverted you are, there is a point when you need someone else. A live person to laugh with you, talk to, get a handshake.  We all need to see a smile and maybe even get a hug.   We are human and we do need each other.  If for no other reason than to just have some fun.