Fun is an attitude, a state of being. It can inspire you, motivate you, and empower you to change your attitude, reactions and perception of yourself. Better still, allowing yourself and others to have fun can yield positive returns personally and professionally. Here are some tips to help raise your fun quotient:
• Strive to always “be in the moment.” Allow your inner self to awaken and recognize the sheer beauty of being alive. Use gratitude to build your enthusiasm for life, and maintain that attitude as you approach any task, obstacle or occasion. Give yourself permission to wholeheartedly enjoy each moment without judging.
While you’re at it, consider taking a sip from the fountain of youth. Having not yet been programmed to make a distinction between work and play, children are constantly exploring, discovering and enjoying the wonder of life. You can do the same, no matter what your chronological age may be. It’s all in your perception.
• Break out of your routine. Try learning a new language, sport or game. Go to a movie you’d normally avoid seeing. Take a totally different route to or from work.
At work, take mini-breaks at intervals throughout your day by jumping up from your desk, stretching and moving around, even at the risk of feeling a bit goofy. At home, rearrange your furniture or try cooking a new and exotic recipe. By doing something you normally wouldn’t do, you’ll find your fun quotient multiplies exponentially.
• Build your “fun network.” Find people you can have fun with, people you can be yourself with, people who can let go and try new activities, methods and techniques. When you find people who appreciate amusement, enjoyment and laughter, stay connected with them and look for others to add to your “fun network.”
Solitude and isolation are sure ways to stifle your sense of fun, so broaden your scope of experiences socially—and do it in real time, not in a digital sense. Social media can be fun, interesting and helpful, but there’s no substitute for real, face-to-face socializing. The people in your network will support and energize your ability to have fun.
• Celebrate laughter. When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Kick-start your laughter engine by visiting a comedy club, watching a funny movie or television show, or reading a humorous book. Be silly with someone you trust. Let your hair down, so to speak, and see how much healthier, more likable and spontaneous you feel. Get into the habit of laughing at yourself, and always take the opportunity to laugh with others.
Having fun, laughing and feeling good will improve health and performance, accelerate learning and memory, increase confidence, and empower you to accomplish even more than you dreamed possible.