How Playfulness, Fun, and Surrender Make You Feel Alive

Dear Yogi,

I hope this letter finds you with a smile and ready to embrace the lightness of being! 🌟

Here at Breathe and Flow HQ, we are juggling the beautiful chaos of life; two adult yogis, one toddler, and one newborn navigating the rhythms of sleep, food, multiple work projects, writing books, and family life. Life can bring moments of exhaustion and despair juxtaposed with some of the sweetest, blissful moments imaginable. We hope whatever you’re doing today, you’re surrendering to all the feels just as we are…😜

How Playfulness and Joy Relieve Stress

You know when you see someone having fun… they look like they are glowing from the inside. They are bathed in a light of shining, free, happiness. They are PRESENT. We can have fun when we are really in the moment.

Even those of us with a good sense of humor sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Picture this: you’re sleep-deprived, overstretched, and accidentally putting your dirty laundry in the trash, missing your exit off the interstate while driving, or—wait for it—placing your car keys in the fridge. (Just us?) In these moments, we have two choices: we can get frustrated, yell at ourselves or the universe, and spiral further into stress. Or we can surrender, laugh, and truly embrace the absurdity and magic of it all. Really laugh and cry at the same time if it feels good! Shake and utterly lose yourself in the moment, knowing that this too will pass and possibly even quite funny (or will be at some point in the future…)

Laughter breaks tension, lightens our mood, and helps release sadness and frustration. Think back to a time when you laughed or cried uncontrollably; although they feel like opposing emotions, both allow us to connect with our bodies deeply, bringing us back to the present moment. What a joy it is to feel fully alive and to deeply let go. Noticing, recognizing and expressing emotions in their fullest form allows the valve within us to open, so feelings can move through and make way for the next wave of vibrant human experience. Surrendering in this way is the opposite of the tight, suppressive way we were often taught to behave in at attempt to appear that we had ‘everything under control’ while quietly muffling our truth inside.

Why Playfulness is Essential for Adults

The beauty of living with a playful heart is that it’s contagious. When you approach life with a lightness and sense of fun, others naturally follow suit. Fun energy is contagious and it’s something definitely worth spreading around. Positive interactions and laughter in social contexts can create a sense of belonging and emotional support, which are essential for managing stress. These connections can act as protective factors, buffering against the negative impacts of stress.

As adults, we often dismiss playfulness as something reserved for children, thinking it’s unproductive or frivolous. But research tells us that play is essential for our well-being and that adults who engage in playful activities report higher life satisfaction, lower stress levels, and stronger social connections. It reduces stress, boosts mood, and even strengthens our immune system. Engaging in playful activities allows us to disconnect from life’s pressures, recharge, and tap into our creativity.

Yoga and Playfulness

Somatic research often emphasizes the importance of body awareness in managing stress. Movement naturally brings attention to the body and can help people feel more present in the moment, distracting from stressors and promoting mindfulness.

Yoga already invites us to be present with our bodies.  On and off the mat, playful movements or spontaneous postures can invite lightness and joy, breaking up the rigidity that stress often creates in the body. Embracing the wobbles, laughter, and any sensations that arise during your practice helps foster a sense of ease and acceptance. Whether it’s a giggle during a balancing pose or simply allowing yourself to feel any discomfort without judgment, these moments remind us that it’s okay not to be perfect. Perfection isn’t necessary, and every moment on the mat offers an opportunity to smile, surrender, and feel free.

Here’s a little playful class with Bre to challenge your ability to be too serious on the mat!

How to Bring More Play and Joy into Your Life

Now that you’re inspired, here are simple tips to bring more playfulness, joy, and surrender into your daily routine: