I am a believer in living a life with a sense of purpose and inspiration. To understand life’s complexities is to appreciate the depth of what it is to be human, but somehow, somewhere in the messages of psychology and spirituality, the idea of having fun has lost its sparkle. In this blog, I would like to dust off this hidden gem of human psychology.
When philosophy gets heavy or times are challenging, having fun can be a wonderful respite as well as an important way to learn about others and ourselves. In the opportunity to live this life, I have always adhered to one dictum: “work hard and play hard”. When one is earnestly having fun, it gives one’s brain a rest from the daily toils of living, and it takes one’s mind off of worry. It also creates a very positive state of mind that attracts more positivity.
For different people, having fun means different things. For some people, it is being with their families on a picnic. For others, it may be as diverse as skateboarding, blogging, partying or exploring a new city. I am not one who quickly subscribes to “moderation” when it comes to anything, as I believe that it undervalues human capabilities when used too broadly. However, when it comes to “fun” activities that also carry some negative consequences, my general attitude is that these activities are meaningful as long as they contribute toward our learning and growth.
So important is fun to our overall well-being, that it is increasingly recognized by medicine as having healing effects. From therapeutic camps for children with chronic illness to a glass of red wine with dinner having protective effects over the heart, fun is being embraced by medicine as having a place in the armamentarium of our prescriptions. Also of importance are some studies that show that adding a “fun” component can aid learning or even workouts. Furthermore, when we add fun to our daily lives, it can improve motivation and also increase our attention to different tasks.
Studies have shown that laughter, which often accompanies fun, reduces allergies in patients diagnosed with eczema. For those of you who are concerned about weight loss, genuine voiced laughter for 10-15 minutes a day causes a 10-20% increase in energy expenditure and heart rate above resting values. This means that 10-40 kCal of energy is expended each day – an easy way to help your weight loss. In fact, there is also some evidence that laughter can protect your heart.
In my specialty area of “stress” I find that people spend a lot of time being “realistic” as though being “realistic” is all about recognizing the doom and gloom in the world. While there are disturbing things going on in the economy and in the world in general, it is not “realistic” to avoid having fun. We have to make an effort to close our attention to negative things and choose fun consciously.
So, if you find yourself at a place in your life where things seem heavy and dreary, apart from following the wisdom of spiritual dialogues, have fun. If there appear to be no immediate opportunities, choose fun consciously. Reflect on its health benefits and carve out a space in your life to include it now. With this as your intent, it will lighten your load and give your brain and body time to recuperate from the stresses of daily life.
About srinivasan.pillay
Dr. Srini Pillay is the author of "Life Unlocked: 7 Revolutionary Lessons To Overcome Fear. (http://www.amazon.com/Life-Unlocked-Revolutionary-Lessons-Overcome/dp/1605298522)" He is also an internationally recognized executive coach, public speaker, psychiatrist, and brain imaging researcher who is focused on the fields of personal and organizational transformation. His aim is to help people and corporations achieve their dreams by drawing on his expertise that addresses the intersections of coaching, biology, psychology and spirituality.
As a “Certified Master Coach”, Srini was on the faculty of the “Behavioral Coaching Institute” where he taught business executives internationally from a variety of different companies, including Fortune 500 companies, the art of coaching, with a special emphasis on using neuroscience to enhance communication, decision-making, and transformation.
As a “psychiatrist”, Srini trained at Mclean Hospital, Harvard’s largest psychiatric training hospital. He graduated with the award for the most scholarly work during his residency. He was also one of the top three award winners nationally. After graduating, Srini became the “Director of the Mclean Hospital Outpatient Anxiety Disorders Program”, where he gained national and international recognition for his expertise in stress and anxiety. He is currently an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and has a clinical practice in Cambridge, MA.
As a “public speaker”, his knowledge of burnout, layoffs, anxiety and stress has been sought out by the media. He has made numerous television appearances and he has been quoted in the Boston Globe, Newsweek magazine and Men’s Health magazine on stress and anxiety. ABC.com has featured him as an international expert on their new health internet site. He is a regular columnist for the living section of the Huffington Post.
Srini has also been a “brain-imaging researcher” for the past fifteen years. He has had numerous publications and has been nationally funded. He continues this work as a consultant to the University of Utah with his former mentors from Harvard.
Currently, Srini is starting a company called “NeuroBusiness group” that is focused on providing information, assessment tools and software, coaching and consultation services that draws on research grounded in psychology, coaching and the neurosciences to promote personal and organizational transformation. He is finishing a self-help book based on scientific research to assist people in overcoming fear. The book is scheduled for release late in 2009 or early 2010.
In addition to recently writing four original screenplays, Srini is currently completing the making of a documentary movie and composing the music for it. His passion is in integrating the science and art of life and bringing a realistic, hopeful and transformational message to the people he encounters. His deepest belief is in the power of love for transformation.
Contact information: boundariless@mac.com
Dear Srini:
Having fun is an integral part of being a healthy human being. I am grateful to receive your timely reminder. Your presence is deeply appreciated here. Hope your stay in Beverly Hills was a positive and "fun" one.
Love, Greg
Yes, after my own heart ….
have FUN!
in everything that we do,
have FUN!
…..enjoy life.
Srinivasan thanks! Am having fun exercising, doing yoga, pranayam, creating websites, interacting on Intent.com, updating my blog, talking, discussing, arguing with family members, eating raw food, and basic roti, chaval, salaad, sprouted beans, wearing jeans and tee, enjoying weather… Having fun Buddy!
Love
Rajesh
http://rajeshmsharma.blogspot.com
Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP – psychotherapist/author
http://www.WhenEveryDayMatters.com
Srini,
Yes, choose fun consciously, a wonderful reminder.
Living on this East Coast in the US we forget to make it part of our day. I will turn down the noise and turn up the fun!
MJ
thanks for this
i do believe fun is so so important!
Mary Jane Hurley Brant, M.S., CGP – psychotherapist/author
http://www.WhenEveryDayMatters.com
thank you all for your company and resonance on these points. it's heartening to think that people value fun so much. let's spread the word…
thank you for the advice I will put it into practice this wonderfull advice