Let’s have a little more fun
As a life coach and registered nurse, I understand the importance of living a whole, well-balanced life that requires the use of life skills. I also understand that sometimes we need to be reminded of some of the easiest life skills. One of my favorite life skills to teach my clients is the value of having fun and appreciating the little joys in life.
It seems so easy - "go have fun." But do you remember the last time you had fun? Recall - was it playing with your pet, cooking a delicious meal, or simply reading a good book? You likely felt happier, more relaxed, and energized afterward.
However, did you know that having fun is not just a luxury, but it is crucial for your mental health and calming your nervous system? Numerous studies have shown that having fun can profoundly impact our overall well-being. Our brain releases endorphins, natural mood boosters that help us feel happier and more relaxed when we have fun.
Additionally, having fun can boost our creativity, problem-solving skills, and overall cognitive function, all of which are essential for our mental health and well-being. Dr. Stuart Brown, in his book "Play - How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul," illustrates that play is an integral biological drive to our health, as necessary as sleep or nutrition. We need to play more than ever, particularly in challenging times, as it is the means by which we prepare for the unexpected, search out new solutions, and remain optimistic.
When we engage in activities like listening to music, going for a walk in nature, or spending time with loved ones, our body releases oxytocin. This hormone can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure, and improve our overall immune function, reducing our risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. I will talk more about these good hormones in an upcoming post.
If you want to improve your mental health and calm your nervous system, prioritize having fun. Whether trying a new hobby, connecting with friends, or relaxing and unwinding, there are countless ways to infuse more joy and fun into your life. Not only will you feel happier and more energized, but you'll also be doing your body and mind a favor by boosting your overall health and well-being.
As Daniel G Amen MD suggests, celebrate micro-moments of happiness. Some of my favorite micro-moments of happiness include listening to the spring birds sing, feeling the warm sunshine on my face, going on hikes in the beautiful PNW, or appreciating the daffodils popping up all over Seattle. These micro-moments of happiness can have a significant impact on our overall well-being.
Remember that we all need to learn the skill of living a healthy life, and sometimes the most straightforward skills are the ones we need to be reminded of.
As a nurse and life coach, I encourage you to appreciate the good, and the good will appreciate.
What are your micro-moments of happiness? Think about it, even better, write them down.
If you're interested in discovering more about how I can support you in adding more happiness to your life, please contact me.
Together, we can work to equip you with the tools and mindset to move toward your potential and experience true happiness. The BEST part is as you experience transformation, you can pass on your learnings to others, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
And stay tuned; I am working on a 4-week kick-start program that will help you take your first steps towards a happier, more fulfilling life. Through
“As adults, we often forget the importance of play in our lives. We may think that playtime is something reserved for children, but the truth is that adults need it just as much. Play is something done for its own sake. It’s voluntary; it’s pleasurable; it offers a sense of engagement; it takes you out of time. And the act itself is more important than the outcome.”
