Mindful Monday: Is life fun or REALLY serious?
I've been wondering lately....where did all the fun go??
We live in a society that all too often associates being a responsible grown up with being super serious and not very fun.
As a result, a lot of times we take ourselves and life WAY too seriously.
We laugh less.
We have fun less.
And we stress more.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
I find children are great teachers on how to live in the moment and be curious. They love to laugh and play, and they don't have to think about it or try too hard - it just comes naturally to them.
We were all children. We all knew how to have fun. Now it's time to 'unlearn' - and let go of those programs and stresses we have picked up along the way.
Fun and responsibility can co-exist in our lives. I was jumping in puddles with my niece and nephew being silly one day and the next, working hard with my business coaches to take things to the next level.
And guess what? The more fun I have, the more inspired I am. It fuels my creativity, productivity and overall well-being.
Neuroscience has now proven that when we laugh and have fun it changes the structure of our brain and affects us in these positive ways:
-Increases serotonin
-Shifts our perceptions
-Helps heal our bodies
-Increases productivity (that's why a happy workplace is a good thing!)
-Increases quality of life
Do you have fun? Can you laugh at yourself or life?
Here's some homeplay (not home 'work') for you to try this week:
1. Anytime you become aware you are taking yourself or something too seriously...
STOP
Notice or acknowledge the thought.(Is thinking it helping you or hurting you?)
Take 3 mindful breaths.
Do a reality check.
What if you made a 'mistake'? Can you find acceptance and laugh?
Is the issue at hand really worth getting this stressed about? In most cases it isn’t.
2. Eyes Closed Meditation - A regular meditation practice will clear stress from your mind and body, as well as the old programs (you know - the real serious ones!) that no longer serve you. It is scientifically proven to shift your thinking to a more positive and happy state.
3. Plan something fun and maybe invite a friend to join you - just because! (Go out of your comfort zone. Do something that you wouldn't usually do.)
These simple suggestions will help to let go of stress, shift your perception and enjoy life.
This is how change happens - one simple choice at a time.
Enjoy the moment!
Diane