Creating Space for Joy: Why Fun Should Be Part of Self-Care

10 November 2025

When’s the last time you laughed until your cheeks hurt or danced around your living room like no one was watching? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. Many of us are running on empty, juggling work, family, responsibilities—and somewhere along the line, we forget one crucial thing: to have fun. Yep, fun. Not just Netflix-ing while scrolling on your phone, but genuine, giggle-inducing, soul-lifting fun.

It’s time to rethink how we see self-care. It's not just about bubble baths and green smoothies (though those are lovely). Self-care is about nurturing every part of you—and that includes your inner 6-year-old who just wants to play. This is where joy steps in.

Let’s talk about why creating space for joy—and making fun a non-negotiable part of your self-care routine—isn't just good for your mental health, it's essential.

Why Fun Is Often Overlooked in Self-Care

Most of us think of self-care as practical: eating healthy, exercising, sleeping. Those are the basics, right? But here’s the thing—fun tends to fall by the wayside because we label it as “unproductive.”

We live in a culture that praises hustle over happiness. If it doesn’t check a box or achieve a goal, it gets pushed aside. But fun isn’t frivolous—it’s fuel. Skipping out on joy is like trying to drive your car on empty. You might coast a little, but eventually, you’ll break down.

So why do we treat fun like a luxury and not a necessity?

Because we're trained to believe that taking time for joy is selfish or childish. But that mindset is what leads to burnout, not bliss.

Understanding the Link Between Joy and Self-Care

Let’s be real: self-care without joy is like a salad without dressing—bland, uninspiring, and something you just go through the motions with.

When we talk about self-care, we often focus on stress management. But one of the most effective ways to reduce stress? You guessed it—having fun. When you’re engaged in joyful activities, your brain releases feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin. These aren’t just happiness hormones—they're mental health MVPs.

Laughter lowers cortisol (that stress hormone that messes everything up). Play boosts creativity and helps us problem-solve better. Fun connects us with others, improving our relationships and helping us feel less isolated.

In short, the science agrees: joy isn’t a bonus in self-care, it’s a building block.

The Emotional Payoff of Prioritizing Fun

You know that light, airy feeling after you’ve had a belly laugh or finished a game night with friends? That’s emotional release. It’s a reset button for your brain.

Here are a few emotional benefits of weaving more fun into your self-care routine:

- Reduces Anxiety: Fun activities can pull you out of your head and into the moment.
- Boosts Resilience: Joy helps you bounce back faster from tough times.
- Improves Mood: Light-hearted fun brings a burst of positivity that can shift your entire outlook.
- Rekindles Motivation: Ever notice how doing something fun can reignite your energy? That’s because joy brings back your spark.

And guess what? You don’t have to schedule a weeklong vacation to experience these benefits. Sometimes, a 10-minute dance break is all it takes.

Physical Health Benefits You Didn't Expect

Believe it or not, having fun isn’t just good for your mood—it actually supports your physical health too. Crazy, right?

Here’s how joy plays out in your body:

- Stronger Immune System: People who experience frequent positive emotions are less likely to get sick.
- Heart Health: Laughter and light-heartedness are linked to improved circulation and lower blood pressure.
- Better Sleep: When you’re relaxed and happy, your body eases into rest mode naturally.

So the next time you think self-care is only about smoothies and gym memberships, remember that riding a bike, dancing in your kitchen, or laughing until you cry counts, too.

Fun as a Form of Mindfulness

We often associate mindfulness with meditation or deep breathing, but guess what? You can be just as mindful while doing something fun. When you're truly enjoying yourself—fully immersed in the moment—that IS mindfulness.

Think about:

- Getting lost in a good book
- Playing an instrument
- Sketching for no reason
- Chasing your dog around the yard
- Cooking a new recipe just for the heck of it

Joyful activities naturally anchor you in the now. And being in the now? That’s where healing happens.

How to Rediscover Joy (Even If You Feel Too Stressed)

Don’t worry if fun feels foreign right now. A lot of adults have forgotten how (thanks adulthood!). The good news? You can absolutely get that inner spark back.

Here’s how to start:

1. Reconnect with What Lit You Up as a Kid

What made you feel alive when you were 8? Drawing? Climbing trees? Building forts? Our childhood selves weren’t concerned with productivity—they just followed what felt good. Start there.

2. Schedule Joy Like a Doctor’s Appointment

Yep, block it off. Treat joy like it’s just as important as a meeting at work—because it is. Even if it's only 15 minutes.

3. Let Go of the Guilt

Here’s a hot truth: having fun doesn’t mean you’re lazy, irresponsible, or avoiding “real” self-care. It means you’re prioritizing your mental and emotional wellness.

4. Start Small

You don’t have to overhaul your life or plan an epic vacation. Try:
- Watching a stand-up comedy special
- Doing a five-minute coloring page
- Playing fetch with your dog
- Singing loudly in the car
- Trying a silly new dance move from TikTok

It doesn’t have to be deep. It just has to feel good.

Building a Joyful Self-Care Toolkit

Let’s create your personal Joy Toolkit. Think of it like a first-aid kit—but instead of bandages and ointments, it’s packed with things that lift your spirits.

Here’s an idea:
- A playlist that makes you dance
- Your favorite snack stash
- A list of comedians or YouTube channels that crack you up
- Art supplies or journals
- A spontaneous “yes” list (things you’d drop everything to do)

Having these on hand means you’re always ready to inject some joy into even the worst Monday.

Addressing the “I Don’t Have Time” Excuse

Ah, the old “I’m too busy” line. We’ve all used it. But let’s flip the script: what if making time for fun actually made you more productive?

Think about how energized and focused you feel after doing something you love. That’s not an accident. Joy isn’t just an emotional release; it’s an energy source.

So stop thinking of fun as a break from life and start seeing it as what powers your life.

Fun Doesn’t Have to Be Instagram-Worthy

One more thing—we’ve gotten used to thinking that every joyful moment needs to be picture-perfect and posted online. But joy doesn’t need an audience.

Fun is personal. It’s whatever feels good to you.

So dance offbeat, laugh too loud, make messy art. It doesn’t have to look good. It just has to feel good.

Final Thoughts: Joy Is an Act of Self-Respect

At the end of the day, creating space for joy is one of the most revolutionary self-care choices you can make. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I matter too.”

Fun isn’t indulgent. It’s not immature.

It’s healing. It’s freeing. It’s radically human.

So go ahead—make time for joy. Laugh more. Play more. Light up. Self-care isn’t just about caring for yourself. It’s about enjoying yourself, too.

You deserve that.