American professor of computer science, Randy Pausch, once said, "Never, ever underestimate the importance of having fun."
When was the last time you made time to have fun? What do you do or try to do to relieve stress?
I turn 25 this week. A quarter of a century. However, it's only been in the last 1-2 years that I've started to learn the value of recreation and leisure time. Here are a few reasons why you should make time for fun as well.
1. It's great for your physical and mental health
It's proven that people who make time for recreational and leisure activities will experience improved physical health and have greater self-esteem. In an American Recreation Coalition study, 90 percent of respondents who make time for recreation reported being satisfied with their health and fitness.
According to the American Psychological Association, if you allow stress in your life to continue, it could become chronic resulting in serious health issues. Sudden emotional stresses can trigger arrhythmias, heart attacks and sudden death. Stress can make it more difficult for you to recover from illness and injury.
Prolong the length and quality of your life by making time for fun.
2. You will make more money in the long-term
Back to bullet point no. 1. If you die young due to stress, you automatically eliminate your chances of making more cash.
You may say, "Well, I don't have time for that. I'm a hard working man/woman. I never stop."
To you hardcore individuals, I say, "Don't kid yourself."
Steve Jobs was a Zen Buddhist who meditated regularly to clear his mind and stay grounded.
Warren Buffett plays the ukulele and online bridge to keep his mind sharp according to Business Insider.
Meryl Streep knits to help her gather her thoughts and think about life.
My point is, don't be a snob. You're never too good to make time for fun and making time for fun won't reduce your income as proven by people like Jobs, Buffett and Streep. The only slight exception to rule who I know of is Mark Cuban. Even then, he owns the Dallas Mavericks which sounds like a blast.
3. You'll improve family loyalty and friendships
Some of my favorite memories are the different activities I've participated with friends and family. My favorite memories range from scuba diving trips to family BBQs to Sunday evening walks to attending sporting events.
President Uchtdorf of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has noted thatlove is really spelled t-i-m-e. Make time for those around you. Have fun.
If there's anything I have learned in my 25 years on this earth, making time for fun with those closest to you is always worth it. That being said, how will you make time for fun this week?