How Scheduling 30 Minutes Of Daily Fun Can Improve Your Well-Being

Now more than ever, as we transition out of what felt like the longest year ever, experiencing fun is especially important. Here are five research-backed reasons you should have more fun, and why taking at least 30 minutes a day to actualize it is so important.

Remember to be present with others. When you are with your partner or friends, turn off your phone and avoid other distractions that jeopardize enjoying the moment. Do this, and you will see your relationships flourish.

One way to have fun while stimulating your brain is by reading a book. Not only can reading reduce stress1, but it also transports you out of your current reality into another world that lies beyond the pages. Enjoying fun activities that introduce us to new ideas and concepts—like when we read—also helps to foster self-directed learning, which we know helps protect us against cognitive decline as we age.

Although exercise might not be everybody's idea of "fun," there are approachable ways to get started, like doing your exercise of choice for just 30 minutes a day. Keep in mind it doesn't have to be intensive exercise either: You could simply go for a walk, start a garden, or join a yoga class online or in person.

When you are looking at ways to increase the fun in your life, try to find opportunities for laughter as well. One study found that individuals who tend to laugh frequently show fewer negative feelings when stressful situations arise. This provides further validation that laughter can not only reduce stress but also help us deal with it when it happens. The same study showed it also helps to mitigate the comorbidities of stress, like depression and anxiety. Finding more opportunities to laugh is as easy as committing to seeing a comedy show, asking your friends silly questions, or making plans to visit your funniest relative.

Finding adult ways to be playful can help us to awaken our curiosity for play. Similar to "fun," personally defining "play" is up to you. You might try taking an improv class, or, if you have children, try inventing a game you all can play together. 

Find at least 30 minutes of fun in your day to start experiencing these five benefits for yourself. It is likely to be just the thing you need to shake off any lingering stagnant feelings left over from the pandemic and a great new habit to support your well-being. Plus, it's really fun!