Counsellor's Corner


 

Intentional Fun?  

Are we so preoccupied with trying to figure out how to be happy, that we are forgetting to have some fun?

Psychologist Mike Rucker has written about this important concept in his book, The Fun Habit:  How the Disciplined Pursuit of Joy and Wonder Can Change Your Life.  

Defining what "happy" means can sometimes feel abstract, while intentionally pursuing something that is healthy and fun can be intentional and more easily understood.  You can read more about his research behind fun habits here.  He emphasizes that fun:

  • improves our relationships
  • makes us smarter
  • reduces stress
  • balances hormones through exercise
  • increases job satisfaction

Children already know how to have fun through play! Research shows that we have improved cognition when play is involved.  Harvard has collected extensive studies on the pedagogy of play here.  Ultimately, wellbeing and executive functions are improved when we spend some time enjoying hobbies or activities that are meaningful to us.

Best wishes with your fun family habits this weekend!

Warm regards,  

Valerie DeGraw





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