How Did You Get Them To Do That?
By: Dr. B
How did you get them to do that? I must hear this at least 10x a day. My usual response is that I shrug and say I was able to connect with them and they wanted to, I made it fun. Many times Educators will say either; “Tell me how to do that!” or “My subject matter isn’t fun or things aren’t always fun.” Well why can’t they be? Is it a requirement that we have to suffer through the mundane tasks or that struggle has more benefit if it’s painful?
Many people find themselves experiencing busy and hectic days. Whether you are working, attending school, focusing on goals, or developing skills, you are focused on moving forward. So often, people forget that having fun or doing activities they enjoy is essential for mental health. You do not always need to be working or gaining skills. Here are a few simple reasons that having fun is good for your mental health:
Fights Burnout: Burnout can happen when you fail to give yourself time to recover. Everyone needs to recharge and refresh their minds and bodies. When you fail to do that, you can easily experience burnout. Feeling burnt out and exhausted can significantly affect your mental health. Take time to have fun! It will help you to refresh and recharge as you do something that you enjoy doing.
Creates Positive Attitudes: Taking time for fun can help you to maintain a positive attitude. If you struggle with maintaining a positive outlook, you may find that it is hard on your mental health as a whole. Figure out fun activities that help you to stay positive, all while having fun and recharging.
Encourages Creativity: Creative activities can have a positive impact on mental health for many people. Often, especially when experiencing strong emotions, it can be challenging to put into words precisely what you are feeling. Creative activities such as painting, drawing, or photography can create an outlet for those emotions to be processed and felt. Find activities that you enjoy and take breaks to participate in those activities regularly.
Having fun is an essential part of maintaining your well-being. Taking time to have fun can help you to avoid burnout and maintain a positive attitude. It may also help you to connect to people with similar interests and spur your creativity. (The Guest House, 2021). I will say that no matter what, you are more attractive to others if you’re having a good time. Not to mention, having a good time makes things more enjoyable! Even when something isn’t fun, if I can trick myself into thinking it is, then getting through the task is so much easier and probably much healthier as it releases neurotransmitters that help to support overall mental well-being.
Fun and The Brain
The neurotransmitters that are most related to happiness are endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and melatonin.
Dopamine is a chemical that communicates between nerve cells in our brain and body. It is known as the “pleasure hormone” because it is released when we are doing something that makes us feel good.
Serotonin is another chemical that sends messages in our bodies. It tells the body how to work and helps to control our happiness, memory, sleep, body temperature and hunger. Most serotonin is produced in our guts while some is produced in our brains. When you have average levels of serotonin in your body you might feel focused, happy or calm. Low levels of this chemical might negatively affect your mood, sleep or digestive tract. (Lahoti, 2023).
If something is a struggle I will be much more likely to release cortisol. Cortisol is a chemical that is definitely needed but too much of it can cause problems in our bodies. Cortisol production by your adrenal glands is regulated by the pituitary gland. This is a pea-sized gland at the base of your brain that is sometimes referred to as the ‘master gland’ because of its wide effects on your body. Prolonged exposure of the brain to a high concentration of cortisol can result in the appearance of psychological symptoms such as irritability, emotional lability, and depression. Too much cortisol can also cause some of the main symptoms of Cushing syndrome, which include a fatty hump between the shoulders, a rounded face, and pink or purple stretch marks on the skin. Cushing syndrome can also cause high blood pressure or bone loss. Sometimes, it can even cause type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of too much cortisol can include: weight gain around the abdomen and face, thin and fragile skin that is slow to heal, acne, female facial hair and irregular menstrual periods. Symptoms of not enough cortisol can include: continual tiredness, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, muscle weakness and pain in the abdomen. (Health Direct, 2022)
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