By Lynn Rae
FUN! It's a small word but can lead to big gains in your mental health.
Years ago, I spent a lot of time having fun with other single people like myself. This helped to Re-Wire my brain by increasing serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin and dopamine. These are the chemicals that we are lacking when we are depressed. Serotonin is the mood stabilizer. This chemical is increased by sun exposure, swimming, meditation or being in nature. Endorphins are our natural pain killers. We can raise them by laughter, exercising, using essential oils or eating small amounts of dark chocolate. Oxytocin is the love hormone. We increase it by playing with a baby or dog, holding hands or giving a compliment. The reward chemical is dopamine. We increase it by completing a task, doing self-care activities, eating food and celebrating little wins.
If you can’t think of anything fun to do then go back to when you were a child. How did you spend your time? Was it “playing house?” Perhaps you would enjoy acting in a theatre group. Did you love art class? They buy some paints and create the next masterpiece. Did you go skating in the winter? Then get yourself a pair of skates and go down to your local rink. Did you play games with your siblings? Find a group of people that play board games or card games. Meetup is an excellent place to look online for groups in your area that share common interests. If you are a senior, check out your local senior’s club. Church is another place you might find people that have shared interests. Many years ago, when my Aunt was feeling overwhelmed and depressed with all her responsibilities, her family doctor gave her the following prescription: “Do something FUN at least a couple days a week.” She went figure skating in the winter and in the summer she spent her weekends horseback riding. I guarantee you that if you find more FUN things to do eventually your brain will re-wire itself. It won't happen in a day, a week or even a month but eventually it will change the chemicals in your brain.
What fun thing are you going to do for yourself later today or tomorrow? It can be something as simple as having a long, hot bath, reading a good book, doing a jigsaw puzzle, walking in nature, watching a comedy or playing with your grandson. Make sure you do something FUN for yourself every single day, even if it is only for 5 minutes on your lunch break or after your kids are in bed. The more fun things you find to do, the sooner you can increase those brain chemicals that will give you a happy, healthy, joy-filled life.