When was the last time you let your hair down, stopped worrying about everyday life and took it to the next level?
Here are 7 tips to help you on your way…
Live your own fun
You might think binge watching your favourite TV show or scrolling through social media are fun. It turns out, there are lots of things we choose to do when we’re relaxing that are no fun at all! We end up feeling empty and spent and wish we had our free time back again to start over and choose something different.
When we think of fun, we think of birthday parties, social gatherings, and balloons. But that’s not necessarily what it means, either. We each have our own definition of what we find fun, what gets our juices flowing, and what makes us feel alive. Take some time to consider what that means to you.
Connect to yourself
The reason we feel like we’re having fun is because we’re ok with ourselves. How can you play when you’re stressed out to the max and not OK with where you are in life?
Learn, slowly, to be OK with what is. It’s easier said than done. But acceptance of yourself, as you are, right now, will mean you can relax. You’ve made it. You’re good enough just as you are.
Try something new
Whenever we do something new, we are instantly happier. A new activity or routine makes life funner. Try something like reading a book about gardening, instead of turning on the TV. Or, start learning to juggling. Or meditate when you wake up, instead of reaching for the newsfeed.
Doing something random can spark the childlike intrigue that we’re missing and make life a bit magical again.
It’s in the way you see it
When you’re doing daily tasks, you can either be in a bad mood about it, or you can choose to add a little fun to the situation.
If you drive to work every day, you could listen to a podcast that makes you laugh, or learn about something that you’ve always wanted to know. Or perhaps listen to that thriller novel you would never normally consider reading in your free time. Or blast your favourite songs and sing at the top of your voice!
Remember how to play
Remember when you were a kid and you would run around and act silly just for no reason? You would pull funny faces, make fun of your sister, or pretend you were an underwater sea diver?
Well, try to get in touch with that person again. Kids are so great to use as examples, because often they feel like a moment where you’re NOT having fun is a wasted opportunity.
Give yourself a day or an afternoon to feel childlike again. Even better if you’ve got kids and you can enjoy this carefree attitude with them.
Get in the moment
Although we’re never truly free of worries, we can soothe ourselves into the moment and allow ourselves to connect with people on a deeper level. If you’re really stressed out, try something you know always relaxes you. If you can’t think of something, start experimenting with meditation, yoga, a good workout, etc. until you find something that sticks.
Feeling completely present and connected to the people around you is basically one of the most fun things you can do. Share new experiences or explore somewhere new together. It doesn’t have to be expensive, just doing something that puts you in the moment and connects you to the people around you is enough for fun to grow.
Take things lightly
Alan Watts once said something to the effect of: ‘Don’t take things too seriously, because then you’ll be in a very serious situation.’
All of those small things that you won’t be worried about in five years’ time? Throw them away. The emails you haven’t yet got back to, what your coworker might be thinking, and the shopping you have yet to do, they are all small things.
Try visualising anything you feel comfortable letting go of as a balloon attached to your shoulders by a piece of string. Take some imaginary scissors and cut their ties from you. Watch as these worries fly away, high up into the sky.
I hope that this post has helped just a little bit in bringing more fun into your life, that you will be able to live life to the fullest, and have the funnest of fun times! Take care of yourself and find what makes you feel alive today.