Through Guy’s Eyes: The Importance of Fun

The visceral impact of the draconian lockdown regulations in SA – some of the most stringent in the world – coupled with a resumption of rounds of loadshedding at a time when so many are at home (without generators) is something we can all relate to right now. It’s a serious business: too serious for many. So, what to do?

Restore fun as an antidote because fun is a serious business too – especially now!

Play is a banquet for the brain, a smorgasbord for the senses, providing nourishment for body and spirit. Sad, then, that as a society we seem to be starving ourselves of it in these unusual times. In a nutshell, research has shown that if juvenile rats fail to engage in peer-to-peer play, as adults they have deficiencies in social, cognitive and motor skills. There is some evidence that these deficiencies may arise because of impoverished emotional regulation: consider how your motor skills or thinking abilities are impaired when you are scared.

Taking the time to recharge is one of the best things you can do for your career. It refreshes the mind and body, gives you distance from problems and perspective for solving them. Research has shown that being in a state of total engagement makes people 50% more productive, creates inner clarity, confidence and motivation – resulting in success in the workplace and in life.

Choosing to have fun, laugh and play in the face of adversity is not about being naïve or in denial. It’s about emotional maturity. Choosing an attitude of fun and playfulness is like wearing a bubble of protection that wards off negativity, isolation, loneliness, depression and fear. When we have fun with others, these experiences have a positive effect on building trust and developing communication. Having fun gives us an opportunity to connect and be creative. Studies show that fun activities at work can improve our relationships with co-workers.

But how do we achieve this in our geographically fragmented and physically detached working worlds right now?

Let us show you how.