Fun is a fantastic topic because to me- fun is the opposite of stress. Now I know that some stress is considered “good” stress. But all in all, when people hear the word stress they begin to cringe, close up, and shut down.

For me, “fun” is the exact opposite. I hear the term fun and think- “Wow, what are we going to be doing?” I typically smile and relax. My shoulders de-tense and my body opens up. I am ready for action and opportunity!

This week during the RCII we have heard some fabulous presentations on what to do about stress, how to handle stress, and learned tools to create less stress. I enjoyed the workshops and have learned so much! So let’s just spend a little bit of time reflecting on fun and how it helps with stressful situations.

In a book written by Stuart Brown called Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul- he shares how play is not just helpful in dealing with stress; it is essential.

Brown recounts a story about a CEO who gathered employees to talk about a recent bad quarter. The CEO took the blame for the company’s performance and then told the employees that under every seat was a toy dart gun.  The CEO invited them all to take a shot at him. The foam darts told everyone that the situation was not so terrible: It was OK to have some setbacks, admit failures, take the hit, and figure out ways to fix the problems. By bringing a little bit of “play” into a stressful situation, everyone was better able to accept the circumstances and move through the stress towards change.

As I mentioned above, some stress is considered “good” stress. Stress can move us towards change and get us up and going. Stress can improve situations and help us grow into bigger, better selves. But stress- when taken too seriously can really impact our health in a very negative way.

So why not shake things up with a little bit of fun? Rather than looking for reasons to complain, look for reasons to smile and laugh. When you can’t think of anything else to do- try standing there with a grin on your face. A smile can swiftly take you from negative thoughts, feelings, or words to positive and productive outcomes.

As nurses we have challenging roles. We sometimes work with negative and difficult people. Instead of feeling, remembering, thinking about, or replaying the stressful experiences of our day- can we look back at things and laugh? Can we bring more fun into our workplace?

With a lighthearted attitude, events that would normally be annoying become amusing; big hassles become humorously absurd; major stressors become really great stories waiting to be told. Lately when I drive I just laugh and laugh. People act INSANELY on the road! Cutting me off, honking the horn in traffic, or throwing their hands up in the air. I mean really… what does that do? (Ok, at the time it may feel really, really good to lay on your horn- but you’re not getting anywhere!!!).  I just drive along, smile and laugh to myself, and then happily tell the story when I get to my destination.

Finally, having fun is EASIER than being stressed. Have you ever had a really good time? I mean a really great time? I know when I am hanging out with my sister- who I do not get to see or talk to as often as I would like- I am really, thoroughly enjoying myself. We laugh, talk non-stop, and do extremely uplifting things. We can giggle our faces off until tears are streaming down our cheeks!

And you know what; when I am in that moment I lose all track of time! Having fun is just easier than feeling badly. It takes less effort and energy. Having fun is the healthy option to experiencing stress.

How about you? What are some ways you have fun in your own life? Do you have enough fun? Have you ever had a fun time that you were lost in the moment in? I’d love to hear how you allow fun into your daily life!