The Science Behind Having Fun

By: Janet Nganga

If you’ve ever heard of the phrase “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”, then you’ve been introduced to a key principle that should be implemented in everyday life. Simply put, you cannot always be working even if you enjoy what you do. Whether you are a student or have a full time career, it is important to have sections of your day where cortisol is not flooding the bloodstream. Cortisol is the primary hormone responsible for stress levels. Though it has other effects on the body, excess of this hormone in the body can lead to weight gain, sleep irregularity, heightened anxiety, fatigue, and more. If stress becomes chronic, it can have drastic effects on the body like a weakened immune system, sometimes resulting in cardiovascular damage which can lead to heart disease. So how do we combat this? 

Well the simple answer: have fun! Find something you enjoy doing that reduces stress. If you are a creative, enter a space where you can create for yourself with no external pressure. This will  engage the brain’s reward system and release dopamine which reduces stress and promotes a sense of happiness.  If you enjoy being active, from high intensity workouts to leisurely walking, moving your body releases endorphins which are antithetical to cortisol. Another way to reduce stress is to be out in nature. With summer just around the corner, now is the time to go outside, enjoy the sun, play on the beach, and RELAX. It is especially important that you are not thinking about work, or other things that need to get done in these moments as the brain will never fully unwind when these thoughts are floating around in there. If you notice these thoughts, write them down and come back to it later. The present moment is for you! 

Check out our newsletter for a Summer Relaxation Bingo to put this into practice!