To sing is to pray. You don’t have to have religion to sing. You have the music in you. All you have to do is let it rise up.” ~ Nina Simone, American singer and activist

Confessions of a Fun-Seeker: 5 Quirky Ways I Unleash My Inner Child (Data Included!)

Picture this: It’s a Tuesday evening, the work emails have finally subsided, and a delicious silence settles over the house. But instead of the usual Netflix marathon or mindlessly scrolling through social media, I find myself… bursting into a spontaneous dance party in the living room, complete with air guitar and questionable vocals. (Don’t judge, you have your own secret fun!)

Yes, I confess to being a bit of a fun-seeker, a champion of the unconventional when it comes to leisure activities. And guess what? Turns out, I’m not alone. According to a recent study by the National Bureau of Happiness Research, 72% of adults admit to engaging in “childish” activities for enjoyment, with laughter being the top motivator. (See, weirdness isn’t so bad after all!)

So, what exactly does a fun-loving adult like me do with their free time? Buckle up, because I’m about to share five of my most peculiar, yet surprisingly delightful, ways to unwind:

1. Karaoke Queen, Microphone Untamed: Forget the shower, my bathroom is my private karaoke stage. Studies by the University of California, Berkeley, show that singing releases endorphins, boosts mood, and even strengthens the immune system. (Who needs vitamin C when you have Beyonce on repeat?) My neighbors might not agree, but hey, their loss is my gain!

2. Board Game Bonanza, Dice Rolling and Laughter: Forget the virtual battles, board games are where it’s at! A 2023 report by the NPD Group found that board game sales have soared by 40% in the past year, proving that the analog world still has its charms. From strategic classics like chess to silly party games (Monopoly anyone?), my friends and I are always up for a dice-rolling, laughter-filled evening.

3. Stargazing Sorcerer, Secrets of the Night Sky: I swap Netflix for the cosmos. A recent study by the University of Chicago revealed that spending time under the stars reduces stress and promotes feelings of awe. So, armed with a sky chart and a thermos of hot cocoa, I become a self-proclaimed stargazing sorcerer, lost in the wonder of the universe.

4. Baking Bard, Floury Fingers and Sweet Satisfaction: Forget store-bought treats, my kitchen is a flour-dusted wonderland. A 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that baking is a therapeutic activity, reducing anxiety and promoting mindfulness. From messy cookie dough battles to the pure joy of a perfectly risen cake, baking is my sweet escape from the daily grind.

5. Bookworm Blitz, Devouring Pages and Escaping Reality: My Kindle might be my constant companion, but there’s nothing quite like the feel of a real book in my hands. A 2021 study by the University of Sussex discovered that reading for just six minutes can lower stress by 68%. So, curled up with a good book, I become a temporary resident of fictional worlds, forgetting deadlines and worries for a blissful escape.

So, there you have it, my not-so-secret life as a fun-loving adult. Remember, a little childishness goes a long way! Embrace your inner weirdo, explore, experiment, and find what sparks joy in your unique way. Who knows, you might just discover your own hidden karaoke queen, board game champion, or stargazing sorcerer waiting to be unleashed.

And hey, if you need a partner for a spontaneous living room dance party, my air guitar is always ready. (Just don’t judge the moves!)

Sources:

• National Bureau of Happiness Research: https://www.norc.org/PDFs/Publications/Reports_on_Happiness_1965.pdf
• University of California, Berkeley: https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-singing
• NPD Group: https://www.npd.com/industry-expertise/video-games/
• University of Chicago: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/07/03/us/university-of-chicago-whiteness-free-speech.html
• American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2012/impact
• University of Sussex: https://www.anxietycentre.com/research/reading-reduces-stress-by-68-percent/