Fun Friday | Psychology of fun

Q: Does having fun mean avoiding responsibility?

No. Fun complements responsibility by supporting recovery, perspective, and resilience rather than replacing effort or commitment.

Q: What if I find it hard to enjoy things?

This is common during stress, low mood, or burnout. Starting small with gentle, values-consistent activities can help rebuild engagement over time.

The Psychology of Fun is a Serious Matter

Fun Friday | Psychology of fun. There is a powerful link between fun and psychological well-being. As adults, it is easy to become consumed by responsibilities, routines, and expectations. But nurturing our inner child – the part of us that thrives on curiosity, creativity, and joy – is not just an indulgence.

Research shows that play reduces stress, boosts emotional resilience, enhances problem-solving, and even improves relationships [1][2]. When we allow space for fun, we do not escape life – we reconnect with it more fully.

So on this Fun Friday, give yourself permission to be playful. Whether it is laughing with a friend, drawing, dancing in your kitchen, or kicking a ball at the park, remember:

Fun is not frivolous – it is foundational.

Why Fun Supports Psychological Health

From a clinical psychology perspective, play and enjoyment support nervous system regulation, cognitive flexibility, and social connection. These processes matter for all people, across the lifespan, and across a wide range of life challenges. Fun does not replace responsibility or meaningful effort – it complements them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fun really important for adults?

Yes. Evidence shows that play and enjoyable activities support stress reduction, emotional regulation, creativity, and social connection in adults, not just children [1][2].

Does having fun mean avoiding responsibility?

No. Fun is not about avoidance. It supports recovery, perspective, and resilience, which can improve our capacity to engage with responsibilities.

What if I find it hard to enjoy things?

This is common during periods of stress, low mood, or burnout. Starting small and focusing on gentle, values-consistent activities can be a helpful and realistic first step.

References

Fredrickson, B. L. (2001). The role of positive emotions in positive psychology: The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions. American Psychologist, 56(3), 218–226. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.56.3.218

Panksepp, J. (2007). Can play diminish ADHD and facilitate the construction of the social brain? Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 16(2), 57–66.

Illustration of David Hennessy, a clinical psychologist, seated thoughtfully in a therapy room at Hennessy Clinical Psychology in Varsity Lakes, reflecting on long-term values and moment-to-moment desire.

Applied Psychology for Everyday Life

What We Value Long-Term Is Not the Same as What We Desire Moment to Moment

Why what we desire in the moment often conflicts with what matters to us long-term. This article explores the psychology behind short-term relief, long-term values, and how psychological flexibility supports meaningful living over time.

Illustration of David Hennessy, Clinical Psychologist, seated in a therapy room, representing a calm, trauma-informed approach to understanding pain and the autonomic nervous system.

Therapy Approaches & Psychological Skills

How the Autonomic Nervous System Responds to Pain

Pain is shaped not only by the body, but by how the nervous system evaluates threat and safety. This article explains how the autonomic nervous system responds to pain and how psychology can support pain management as part of a multidisciplinary approach.

David the Psychologist, a bald clinical psychologist wearing a colourful paisley shirt, seated calmly in a therapy room at Hennessy Clinical Psychology, reflecting on attachment wounds and emotional safety. Subtle text reads: David the Psychologist @hennessyclinicalpsychology

Trauma & Attachment

What Are Attachment Wounds?

Attachment wounds describe how early relational experiences shape emotional regulation, adult relationships, and nervous system responses. This article offers a clear, compassionate, evidence-based explanation of what attachment wounds are and how healing is possible.

Fun Friday | Fun Promotes Psychological Well-being