Why Fun Feels Hard for Grown‑Ups
Do you ever try to “do something fun” and… feel nothing? Or find yourself forgetting what you even like anymore? Many adults quietly admit that fun feels oddly out of reach or worse, like another item on the to‑do list.
Somewhere between childhood and bills, many of us lose the natural pull towards joy. In therapy, I hear this often, not because people don’t want fun, but because it’s become complicated.
Why Fun Gets Lost
We were praised for being serious and responsible. Playfulness slipped into the background, and we stayed “grown‑up” to be accepted.
Guilt creeps in. When there’s always something to clean, fix, or plan, choosing fun feels self‑indulgent.
We’ve been burned before. Maybe we were teased for being silly or told to “grow up” so we stopped trying.
Stress crowds out curiosity. Exhaustion and long to‑do lists can make joy feel like hard work.
How to Bring Fun Back – Gently
Notice sparks. Pay attention to little things that make you smile, a song, a silly meme, sunlight on the floor.
Try micro‑fun. Two minutes of doodling or tossing a ball for the dog still counts.
Borrow ideas. Ask friends what they do for fun.
Drop the “shoulds.” Fun doesn’t have to be productive, skill‑building, or Instagram‑worthy.
Let it be awkward. Play might feel clumsy at first if you’re out of practice – and that’s okay.
Closing Thought
Fun doesn’t have to be big or perfectly planned. It can sneak in through tiny cracks in your day, a reminder that life isn’t just about ticking off tasks, but also about laughing, creating, and feeling alive for a moment.
