Growing up shouldn’t mean having a boring, serious life. Sometimes we take our responsibilities way too far and end up putting ourselves under constant pressure to perform. If you’ve been stuck in serious mode lately, this is your sign to loosen the reins and start adding more joy, lightheartedness, and laughter into your life. You don’t need to stop everything you are doing—this is all about a mindset and perspective approach to change your life for the best.
Why We Get So Serious (And Why It’s Okay)
Losing your spark by structuring and juggling your life around your job, relationships, children, finances—whatever it may look like in your life—is easily done. When you build up so many responsibilities, it can weigh on you, leaving you with a serious approach to life instead of a fun, playful way of looking at things. It’s easily forgotten, but fun and freedom aren’t luxuries in life—they’re necessary to live a balanced life. Letting yourself enjoy life isn’t irresponsible, and it will actually benefit all areas of your life.
Notice the Pressure You Put On Yourself
If you find yourself feeling guilty when you take time to relax—even tiny thoughts like I should be finishing off my work or doing some housework—then it’s a small sign that you may be putting too much pressure on yourself. Even when you’re doing a task you set out to do but constantly feel disappointed with your results, knowing you could have done more in that time period, shows clear signs that you are not feeling fulfilled or appreciating yourself.
Worrying about looking silly or unproductive is also another telltale sign that the pressure is too high. All of these things are often just subconscious thoughts, and the first step in being able to change them is to bring awareness to them. From there, you can retrain your brain to allow yourself to take the heat off.
Try this affirmation:
“I give myself permission to enjoy life without guilt or pressure.”
Redefine What “Fun” Means to You Now
Having fun looks different for everyone. Figuring out what you enjoy spending your time doing now may look completely different from how you would have spent your time having fun even just a few years ago. Reflect on what activities you enjoy doing just for the sake of it and when you feel the most energised.
Having fun doesn’t have to mean loud, wild, or expensive. It just has to feel good to you. This could be going to a farmers market and then cooking a beautiful meal, or heading to the library to pick up a new book. Explore what makes you the happiest.
Bring Back Play (Yes, Even Now)
Having fun, playing, and exploring isn’t just for kids—it’s for everyone at any age. Try new activities and give yourself space to do something purely because it brings you joy—not because it has a “purpose” or is productive.
Here’s how you can add play into adult life:
- Try improv or a creative writing class
- Play a team sport just for fun
- Make up silly games with your partner or kids
- Host a themed dinner party or game night
- Try painting or crafting without trying to sell or perfect it
Laugh On Purpose
Smiling and laughing have so many positive impacts on our mental health. Life isn’t that serious—it’s here to be enjoyed. Put yourself in situations that are designed to make you laugh out loud.
To laugh more:
- Watch stand-up comedy
- Rewatch your favourite funny childhood movies
- Listen to comedy podcasts
- Share your most embarrassing stories with friends
- Hang out with people who don’t take life too seriously
Step Away from Perfection Culture
Social media can have one of the biggest negative effects on our happiness levels. It can make us feel like we’re behind, boring, or not doing enough. But the highlight reel of someone else’s life isn’t real life—it’s more often than not exaggerated.
When you find yourself comparing, try:
- Logging off for a few hours
- Following more creators who are raw, real, and fun
- Reminding yourself: “I’m allowed to live an unfiltered life.”
Take Breaks Without Earning Them
Allow yourself to relax and rest. You don’t have to be exhausted to deserve a break. And you don’t have to check every item off your to-do list to deserve fun. Adding in small, regular breaks in the day helps keep your mind energised.
Start small:
- A 15-minute walk with music you love
- A slow breakfast without your phone
- A midday stretch break where you shake it out like nobody’s watching
Practice Present-Moment Joy
Living in the future robs us of our right now. Seriousness often comes from overthinking the future. The fun lives in the now. Learn to enjoy moments fully and know you don’t need to wait to achieve X in order to be happy.
When we embrace mindfulness, we can lose the playfulness. Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time—it’s about living life as it happens, which includes even the ridiculous, joyful, messy parts.
Try this:
- When something funny happens—soak it in
- When you’re enjoying a moment—savour it
- When your mind wanders—gently bring it back
Surround Yourself With Light-Hearted People
Happy people attract happy people. Your vibe is shaped by the people around you. Pay attention to the happiest, most joyful people you know and spend your time with them instead of those who bring you down.
Spend time with people who:
- Laugh easily
- Find joy in simple things
- Don’t sweat the small stuff
- Encourage you to enjoy life without guilt
Final Thoughts: Life Gets Lighter When You Let It
You are here to live. To laugh. To try things. To get messy. To fall and get back up. To feel it all and still choose joy. Even when you’re mid-journey, you are still allowed to be happy. So take a deep breath. Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. Smile and take life less seriously.