The psychology of fun : How small moments of fun protect our mental well-being

Biros Leishangthem
Amidst the chaos of uncertainty, geopolitical ten- sions, and the visible erosion of social trust in many parts of the world, maintaining our well-being has become more important than ever. In such circumstances, prioritising perso- nal well-being is a necessary step toward sustaining both individual and collective functioning. Because when we take care of ourselves, the well-being of others naturally follows. Imagine a family where one member is unwell, another has to step in to take care for him/her. Over time, this added responsibility can lead to fatigue and can spread within the household, ultimately reducing the overall productivity and well-being of everyone involved. In this way, the well-being of one person inevitably affects the well-being of others. A similar dynamic exists in society at large, when individuals neglect their mental health, the ripple effects extend into families, work-places, and communities.
In this fast paced world, we find ourselves in a survival mode in which stress is a dominant feature. People constantly attempt to carve out a space for themselves– whether in academia, professional life, or other pursuits–often pushing relentlessly to succeed. In this relentless pursuit, we often lose sight of our own well-being. By immersing ourselves completely in work or study, we sometimes reach a point where we can no longer clearly think about what we want, what we should do, or where we are headed. The destination of this path is often burnout – mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.
At the stage of burnout, even basic daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Getting out of bed itself may require immense effort. Activities that once seemed ordinary suddenly appear exhausting and burdensome. Does this sound like a desirable situation ? Absolutely not. Yet many individuals unintentionally find themselves reaching this stage. Considering that burnout arises from prolonged stress and constant pressure, it is often followed by withdrawal and a sense of detachment from one’s work and surroundings.
Furthermore, continuous exposure to stress can impair our cognitive functioning, including our ability to concentrate and form long-term memories. This is supported by a study conducted by Fuligni et al. (2009) suggests that daily stressors accumulate over time and significantly influence both physical and mental health outcomes.
Fun is not merely a luxury or distraction
In this context, I am going to discuss the long lasting psychological benefits of having fun – reminding us to keep the spirit of joy alive even as we strive to achieve more and perform better in life. This entails incorporating moments of joy, relaxation, and fun into our everyday lives. Fun is an essential psychological resource that helps us recover from stress, restore energy, and regulate emotion. By consciously allowing ourselves to experience joy and recreation, we can protect our well-being and sustain our productivity in the long run.
This perspective aligns with Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions, which explains that positive emotions expand our cognitive and behavioural capacities. When we experience joy, curiosity, or amusement, our minds become more open, flexible, and creative. Over time, these experiences help build lasting psychological resources such as resilience, social connection, and emotional intelligence.
When we enjoy the process of living by engaging in small self-care habits, it enhances our sense of safety and emotional security. The mechanism behind this is relatively simple. When we feel safe and happy, the body releases more oxytocin and other positive neurotransmitters, namely dopamine (feel good hormones), serotonin (mood stabiliser) while levels of cortisol (stress hormone) decrease. Fun fact: Serotonin is also released when we eat fermented food so keep eating hawaijar, soibum, kimchi, ngari. Keep calm and eat singju.
In recent times, there has been a shift in how people approach life. Instead of relentlessly chasing goals without pause, many people are beginning to appreciate the value of joy in the process itself. People are now embracing simple grounding practices like daily movement, journaling, drawing and other small creative rituals that make everyday living feel more meaningful. This perspective helps loosen the rigid pressure associated with achievement and makes long-term pursuits more sustainable. Currently trending pop culture references include being whimsical, playful, here the catch is that it’s actually backed by science.
One concept closely related to positive emotional experiences is playfulness. Although often associated with childhood, research increasingly highlights its importance in adulthood.
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