The 4 P’s of Fun

Using the 4-P Tool in Your Life:

Studies show that there are many ways to incorporate more fun into our lives at this stage. I’ve taken the four I’ve found to be most powerful and combined them into a life coaching tool I call “The 4-P Tool.”

1. Presence: Think of the last time you’ve been so engrossed in something that you lost track of time. Scientists call this being in “flow.” In order to incorporate more fun into our day-to-day life, we need to slow down and be present. If you’re going through a challenge this can be a bit harder to do, but try to set your challenge aside for a moment – I coach clients to take the challenge and to temporarily put it on a high shelf. You might only be able to do this for a minute or two to start – and that’s ok. Slowly allow yourself to breathe, lower your shoulders, relax your jaw and just ‘be.’ This will help you be more present, the first step to being able to add more fun and enjoyment into your life. 

2. Playfulness: The idea of playfulness is subjective. The truth is, it doesn’t matter how you define playfulness – the important part is adding it into your daily life, however YOU define it. Approach tasks with a playful mindset. Find humor in everyday situations, challenge yourself with brainteaser games or puzzles, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself. 

3. People: Think of times where you smiled so much that your jaw ached or when you belly-laughed so hard you had a stitch in your side. Who were you with? Studies find that often our connections allow us to feel more lighthearted — and, well, more playful. You can feel connected to yourself and to the environment around you, but it’s easiest to note the connections you feel with other people at moments you feel at ease and playful. Jot them down. Make a concerted effort to schedule time to speak with them and spend time with them regularly. 

4. Prioritize: Life gets busy. We often over schedule ourselves, put others before our own well-being and find ourselves in a rut. Much like exercising, preparing healthy meals and prioritizing relationships in our life, we need to schedule fun. (I realize this sounds like an oxymoron!). I don’t mean to literally put “fun” on your schedule. I do, however, mean to regularly seek out moments to add more fun and playfulness into your life. Here are some ways I do this: I have friends with whom I share silly memes and instagram reels. I have a file of comedy stand-ups, (My most recent favorite is Nate Barghesi), I purposefully try not to take myself too seriously – when I’m self-deprecating, I find that I laugh easier and more. I seek out funny and silly moments, sometimes ones that are irreverent. I will literally say aloud, “I crack myself up.” How can you prioritize fun and seeking out playfulness into your daily life? 

By incorporating the 4P Technique of incorporating more fun into your daily life, you can reap the scientifically proven benefits of fun while adding joy and fulfillment to your midlife journey.