We've all heard the phrase, "Life isn't all fun and games!" and there is definitely some truth to it. But it's also true that fun is an important part of life that should not be overlooked.
Think of the last time you had fun. How did you feel? I'm going to go out on a limb that you probably felt light, happy and relaxed. Having fun is important because it is really good for your mental and physical health.
Why is having fun healthy?
Keeps us calmer and reduces stress: When we have fun our levels of feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin increase and our cortisol levels decrease. According to a 2016 theoretical review by scientists at Sahmyook University in Seoul, South Korea, the increase of feel-good hormones from having fun and laughter leads to elevated mood and reversal of stress response.
Releases happy hormones: Fun leads to a better mood with means serotonin and dopamine levels optimally increase. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that regulates our mood. It also helps regulate sleep patterns, memory, body temperature, bone health, healing, digestion, and even our sex drive. When we have low serotonin levels it is much harder to keep our body and brain working optimally. Dopamine is another hormone and neurotransmitter that plays an important role in many body functions, including memory, movement, motivation and pleasurable reward. Making sure we have fun on consistent basis helps keep up our serotonin and dopamine levels and keeps us healthier!
Gives us more energy: While in short bursts stress can help the body do amazing things, over long periods of time (like pandemic, wars, etc) stress is draining and can cause a whole host of problems in the body and brain. Having fun helps reduce unpleasant feelings such as tension, anxiety, hatred, and anger, alleviates feelings of depression.
Improves memory and concentration: When we're in a good mood, this helps clear the brain of stress and tension and allows for better memory retention, concentration and learning. According to a 2016 study in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences, when our mood is improved this increases serotonin levels, which in turn increases our ability to learn.
Helps us sleep better: When we have fun, our mood is lighter, our brain is clearer, our body is less tense and we are less likely to be pre-occupied by worries in our life. All of this is important for sounder sleep. The American Psychological Association has found that 43 percent of American adults have reported that stress is the main reason that keeps them from getting the sleep they need at night. Sleep is incredibly important on so many levels. According to the APA, "Research has shown that most Americans would be happier, healthier and safer if they were to sleep an extra 60 to 90 minutes per night."
So, the next time you are trying to decide where to stay late working or go do something fun, don't feel guilty to choose the fun! Your brain and body deserve to be looked after. And, if you go have fun now you'll be able to put solid effort into your work later.
What are you doing for fun!?
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