People with a healthy amount of play in their lives are more likely to be motivated, optimistic and fulfilled. Plus, we all know what happens when you have all work and no play. Here are 33 things to watch, do, ponder and listen to in order to make your life a little more fun.
1. “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”—Dr. Seuss
2. Read Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul by Stuart Brown, M.D.
3. Watch PBS’ The Promise of Play.
4. Listen to “Upside Down” by Jack Johnson.
5. Host a game night. Try Apples to Apples.
6. “Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun.” —Randy Pausch
7. Read Hop, Skip, Jump: 75 Ways to Playfully Manifest a Meaningful Life by Marney K. Makridakis.
8. Watch The Cat in the Hat.
9. Listen to “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore.
10. Throw a tea party with your kid.
11. “A little nonsense now and then, is cherished by the wisest men.” —Roald Dahl
12. Read Play Matters by Miguel Sicart.
13. Watch The Toy.
14. Listen to anything by The Wiggles.
15. Climb a tree.
16. “If you want creative workers, give them enough time to play.” —John Cleese
17. Read SuperBetter: A Revolutionary Approach to Getting Stronger, Happier, Braver and More Resilient – Powered by the Science of Games by Jane McGonigal.
18. Watch Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days.
19. Listen to “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper.
20. Lie in the grass; dance on the sand.
21. “Be silly. You're allowed to be silly. There's nothing wrong with it.” —Jimmy Fallon
22. Read Play, Playfulness, Creativity and Innovation by Patrick Bateson and Paul Martin.
23. Watch Zorba the Greek.
24. Listen to “Born to Dance” by Alastair Moock.
25. Surround yourself with playful people.
26. “Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” —Kay Redfield Jamison
27. Read Play and the Human Condition by Thomas Henricks.
28. Watch Big.
29. Listen to anything by ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic.
30. Tell a joke or two.
31. “Play is the highest form of research.” —Albert Einstein
32. Chase butterflies.
33. Come back in February for 33 ideas on well-being.
