It's No Fun Being an Adult
I find that joy, play, and rest are missing from adulthood. Somewhere along the line from childhood into adulthood many of us stop being goofy, we stop giving ourselves permission to just be. And it makes sense because we have a lot of responsibilities as adults. Juggling work, friends, family, health, finances, and chores is a pretty long to-do list. At the end of the day, it’s hard to find the time or energy to have fun.
Not to mention, many of us feel difficult feelings like guilt or shame if we have the time or energy to do something fun. Because shouldn’t we be doing something productive? Don’t we have some more chores to attend to? Discussing this theme of feeling guilt and shame if someone’s not productive is so common in my therapy sessions. And honestly it is a shame (pun intended), because increasing rest, joy, and play in our lives, even just a little bit, can have a truly big impact on the stress, depression and anxiety we might be feeling as a result of that long to-do list.
Joy:
Joy is the spark that ignites our passion and infuses life with meaning. Embracing joy is not an indulgence; it's a prescription for resilience. When we incorporate more joy, it triggers a cascade of physiological and psychological changes that can improve both our physical health, as well as aspects of our mental health, like motivation, mood, or thought patterns.
Therapeutic Tip: Dedicate time each day to engage in at least one activity that brings genuine joy. It could come from starting a hobby or laughing with a friend.
Rest:
Rest is not a sign of weakness but a powerful ally in mental health. Adequate and quality rest rejuvenates the mind, restores emotional balance, and fortifies resilience. Rest is not just about sleep; it's about carving out moments of stillness to recharge amidst life's demands.
Therapeutic Tip: Prioritize quality sleep, and experiment with mindfulness or relaxation techniques to incorporate moments of restfulness throughout your day.
Play:
Play is often dismissed as something reserved for children, yet its benefits extend far into adulthood. Engaging in playful activities stimulates creativity, fosters connection, and provides a respite from the seriousness of daily life. Whether it's sports, games, or creative pursuits, play taps into the essence of who we are. As a therapist, I encourage my clients to rediscover play as a means of self-expression and rejuvenation.
Therapeutic Tip: Integrate play into your routine as much as possible. This can be larger acts like joining a recreational sports league or smaller ones, like simply dancing to your favorite artist while brushing your teeth. Let it be a regular part of your mental health regimen.
In the therapeutic process, joy, rest, and play are not merely indulgences but essential pillars of well-being. As you navigate the complexities of adulthood, remember that embracing joy is a revolutionary act, rest is a necessary ritual, and play is a gateway to rediscovering the essence of your true self.