Playfulness is vital

As part of the Happiness Formula, play is about how you move through your life more than a singular activity. If you have read and have an understanding of the other ingredients, this one will be easier for you to ‘get.’  The importance of play and playfulness cannot be overstated.

The value of play/playfulness cannot be overstated as a necessary ingredient for your happiness and success. The trick is to understand how it feels when you are engaged in play. Fun is often seen as a frivolous pursuit, but it is so much more than that. It is a catalyst for creativity, enabling us to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions. When we engage in enjoyable activities, our brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter that fuels pleasure and motivation. This chemical reaction boosts our mood and enhances our cognitive abilities, making us more alert, focused, and open to new ideas.

We can harness the power of fun to maximize our creativity and productivity? It starts by recognizing the importance of play in our lives. Embrace your inner child and allow yourself to explore, experiment, and take risks without fear of judgment. Engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it’s doodling, playing a musical instrument, or solving puzzles. These moments of play will stimulate your imagination and help you break free from the constraints of routine thinking.

When you do the dishes, relax and just do the dishes. Don’t think about not liking to do the dishes. Don’t think about how long it is taking. Don’t think about what you have to do next. Just contentedly do the dishes.

The opposite of play is not work. It’s depression.

“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, and sometimes your smile is the source of your joy.”

Thich Nhat Hanh

Research shows that we are designed by nature to flourish through play. Play is not just joyful and energizing — it is deeply involved with human development, intelligence, and well-being.

Most people grossly underrate the importance of play and playfulness to our success and happiness.

Play is not just something you should do when on vacation. Play every day, and you will enjoy life more and feel less stressed.

Play is a biological imperative that is as crucial to our health and well-being as sleep and nutrition. Finding your Happy Zone is what the play in the Happiness Formula is all about. The more you follow the formula, the easier it gets. It may sound like a lot right now, but it is really very simple and effective.

The importance of play is also not a new concept, and science shows us again and again that play nourishes our minds and souls like food nourishes our bodies.  The importance of play and playfulness cannot be overstated

“The creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct.”
~ Carl Jung

You need individual activities to engage your mind and refresh your soul. These activities are not the same for everyone. Find what is stress-free for you. What engages you? Knitting? Cooking? Horseback riding? Painting? Music (listening or playing)? Walking? Reading? Writing? Polishing the silver? Golfing? This needs to be YOUR idea of what feels fun/nourishing, not mine or anyone else’s!

What is play for one person may be pure unhappy stress for someone else.

Cleaning the house can be play. What is play for you may be the opposite of play to someone else. If you feel good if you enjoy it, that is a good sign that it is play for you. If it is stressful, it is not play for you. What is play for you is for you to decide for yourself. The more playful you can make your everyday activities, the easier it becomes to Walk in Joy.

Being in your Happy Zone is how you Have Fun and Stay Alive to God, The Universe, and Everything.  It is how you live your best and happiest life.

 The importance of play and playfulness cannot be overstated.