FUN

When is the last time you scheduled fun? When is the last time you laughed so hard you cried and maybe peed your pants a little (if you've had kids, you know what I'm talking about lol).

When we become stressed or overwhelmed, fun is one of the first things sacrificed. Why is that? Because having fun often feels irresponsible. However, the reality is fun is necessary to boost your creativity. Think about kids; they are super creative, imaginative and relaxed. They also have fun way more than us boring, responsible adults. I get that you have things to do, bills to pay, etc., but where can you fit in more fun?

There is a reason why Google employees are paid to play beach volleyball, go bowling or scale a climbing wall and why employees at LinkedIn can play foosball or ping-pong when they tire of answering emails. Play has been proven to increase motivation and productivity. It can also lower your stress levels and boost your optimism.

According to The Mayo Clinic, a good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:

• Stimulate many organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
• Activate and relieve your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
• Soothe tension. Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

​Laughter isn't just a quick pick-me-up, though. It's also good for you over the long term. Laughter may:

• Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more-serious illnesses.
• Relieve pain. Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
• Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make it easier to cope with difficult situations. It also helps you connect with other people.
• Improve your mood. Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.

Make it a priority this week to schedule in some fun, play and laughter! Next time you are overwhelmed and stressed, watch a funny movie/video, play with your kids, invite some friends over for game night, dance like no one is watching, etc. The ideas for fun and laughter are endless, so be creative! :)

​Here's to another week of living your life by design, not by default!