August 20, 2023
Written/Edited by: Fidha and Shaleishka
I'm so Bored!
Especially during the summer, it can be very easy to get bored. While there can definitely be days full of fun, there are some days of just…doing nothing. And although it can be relaxing every once in a while, nothing is better than a day full of fun after being bored for days (or weeks). Let’s discuss why this is the case and touch upon some ways to have fun that you may not have thought of!
Fun Processing in the Brain
Most of us can agree that having fun is usually a happy experience–we typically associate it with laughing and smiling. There are a few theories about how this joy is processed in our brains, two in particular that are largely agreed upon: release of certain neurotransmitters and activation of certain brain regions.
When discussing neurotransmitters, there are two that are incredibly important in understanding how happiness is processed in the brain: serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for mediating happiness and optimism. Similarly, dopamine is a neurotransmitter that signals pleasure in the brain and creates a reward system. These neurotransmitters are both highly important in the processing of “fun” as they are releasing the substances by which we can feel happiness associated with enjoying something.
In reference to brain regions, studies have shown that happiness activates multiple areas of the brain, such as the right frontal cortex, the precuneus, the left amygdala and the left insula. These areas of activity have connections between both awareness (in the frontal cortex and insula) and the “feeling center” (amygdala) of the brain.
Ways to Have Fun
There are plenty of ways to have fun by yourself or with friends! Even if you feel like you don’t have any time, there are plenty of activities that you can fit into your daily schedule. Remember everyone has different interests so find something that fits into your own interests. Here’s a list of 10 activities you can enjoy!
Dance and sing your heart out! Even if you can’t sing or dance, it’s always so much fun. You can be alone in the comfort of your own room with the music you love, or with a group of friends!
Bake! Find something new to create, there are so many goodies that you have yet to try. You can recreate a dessert that you saw in a movie as a child and recreate it!
Go to the nearest park! Being outside and taking in the fresh air is so relaxing. You can have a nice picnic with friends or just use the swings (if that’s what you like).
Laser Tag! Laser Tag is a great way to make new friends (or go with friends) and exercise while having fun. It’s a great way to unwind and just be in the moment.
Take up the gym! Your body and mind are connected. The gym is a great way to enjoy exercise while maintaining your health (plus you get to decide how long you’re there for and what suits you the most).
Watch a comedy! Comedies are an incredibly underrated way to enjoy your time, you get to laugh for however long the movie is!
Take up an instrument! Whatever instrument that has interested you for however long, is only a YouTube search away from learning.
Go shopping! There’s nothing wrong with spending money on yourself every once in a while, go get that new perfume or clothes you’ve been wanting!
Paint! Even if you’re not the most artistically inclined, expressing yourself is so important and painting can help!
Get legos! You’re never too old for legos, grab yourself some legos that best suit you and build it. This activity can be by yourself and even better if you have friends to talk to during the process!
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