Have fun!

Clients often tell me that they’ve forgotten how to have fun. That they’ve been so focused on career and partners and kids and just…living that they have lost touch with their playful side, the part of them that remembers [and reminds them] how great it is to be alive!

Fun has no purpose; you play because it’s pleasurable.

And while there is so much evidence of its benefits [joy, connection, wellbeing, problem solving, creativity anyone?!] most adults hardly play [unless they’re involved in competitive sport].

When I encourage playfulness, I’m not saying you have to bring out the board games or launch yourself into the sandpit. I suggest a gentler, more authentic and more sustainable approach.

Start by make a list of things you could do in your every day life that would serve absolutely no purpose other than to make you feel happy. It could look something like this:

• Cut flowers from the garden and put them on your desk
• Turn a meeting into a walking-through-the-park-meeting
• Talk out-loud to the plants
• Write the shopping list with a favourite pen
• Take a detour from your regular route and discover new streets
• Wear Special Occasion outfits on regular days
• Keep a favourite pic as a screen-saver
• Read a frivolous book
• Cook something that feels exotic and unusual
• Call a friend who is lighthearted

Start your own list, then challenge yourself to make it longer and start doing [at least] one thing from it, everyday.

Playfulness is a natural way of being [kids do it effortlessly!] but we just get out of the habit. Initially, boosting your playfulness can feel awkward or clunky. But persevere…the more joy you experience, the more joy you’ll crave! And soon, that playful way of being [with all its added benefits] will re-emerge, as your natural default.