Can Fun and Success Coexist?
Do you believe success requires 12–16 hour workdays?
Is fun a priority in your life—or something you’ll get to someday?
🗓️ Do you schedule time for joy and leisure?
⚖️ Is balance between work and personal life possible?
🚙 Are you enjoying your journey, or asking yourself, Is this all there is?
Personally, I’m feeling depleted in the fun department. Life is heavy and full. And fun? It’s often pushed to the back burner.
And yet, I know better. Because the science is clear.
The Surprising Science Behind Enjoyment and Well-Being
A comprehensive study published in Psychosomatic Medicine assessed nearly 1,400 adults. It found that higher participation in enjoyable activities was significantly associated with:
- Lower blood pressure, cortisol levels (stress hormone), BMI, and waist circumference
- Better self-perceived physical health
- Higher levels of positive mood and life satisfaction
- Lower levels of depression and negative emotions
These findings held true even after adjusting for demographics. That means having fun is not a luxury—it’s a measurable, science-backed strategy for health and well-being.
Work-Life Balance Is Not a Myth—It’s a Mindset
You often hear from high achievers that balance is impossible. But some of the world’s most successful leaders are starting to challenge that notion.
💡 Jeff Bezos talks about work-life harmony, where your work and personal life are deeply connected.
💡 Bill Gates once prioritized hustle over life. But he later admitted he regrets not making space for relationships and fun—and now advocates a more balanced life.
💡 Deepak Chopra’s Law of Least Effort teaches us that when we release resistance and stress, we can achieve more with less energy. In other words: work smarter, not harder.
Want to Live Longer? Laugh More, Socialize, and Go Outside
In a recent episode of the Mel Robbins Podcast, longevity expert Dr. Eric Topol discussed his book Super Agers. While diet, exercise, and sleep are important, he emphasized:
- Social connection
- Outdoor activity
- Regular joy and fun
as equally critical to long-term physical and emotional health.
This isn’t just a trendy topic. It’s a lifestyle shift backed by science.
How to Make Space for Fun (Even When Life Is Busy)
Here’s the truth: fun won’t just show up on your calendar. You have to plan for it—just like your work goals or meetings.
🌍 Plan your vacations when you plan your year.
This has been a game-changer for me. There’s never a perfect time, but declaring your trip now greatly increases the odds you’ll take it.
🗓️ Schedule monthly fun.
Block off one or two days a month to do something you love:
- Farmers markets
- Art shows
- Live music
- Hiking with friends
- A beach day or spa afternoon
Planning for joy is the first step in prioritizing yourself.
Don’t Let 2025 Pass You By Without Joy
It’s May. If you haven’t scheduled time off or meaningful fun this year, now’s the time.
📌 Where do you want to go?
📌 What makes you feel alive?
📌 What would fun look like for you this month?
You deserve joy. Not someday—now.
Fun and Success Aren’t Opposites—They’re Partners
The truth is, success and fun can coexist. In fact, one may fuel the other. Downtime isn’t lazy. It’s strategic.
So take this as your sign:
👉 Schedule something fun.
👉 Reach out to a friend.
👉 Book the trip.
👉 Say yes to joy.
And share your plans in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s on your list for 2025!
You Can Emerge Positive.
Positively,
Deanne
