There are a lot of things you have to take seriously in life, but you also need to know how to have a laugh.
Life can get heavy. Bad things happen, stress can be overwhelming, and before you know it, you can’t remember the last time you were able to chuckle at the absurdity of it all. The thing is, you have one life, and you have no idea when it’s going to end and what’s right around the corner, which is why it’s so important to ensure you’re balancing seriousness with levity. If you struggle to let your hair down, here are some ways to start doing so — you’ll be glad you did.
1. Laugh at yourself.
Taking yourself too seriously can be exhausting. Learn to laugh at your mistakes or silly moments—it’s a great way to lighten the mood. When you stop taking small slip-ups so personally, you give yourself the freedom to embrace imperfection.
2. Say yes to spontaneity.
When was the last time you did something completely unplanned? Let go of rigid schedules and embrace spur-of-the-moment adventures. Saying yes to spontaneity can lead to unexpected memories and experiences that you’ll cherish forever.
3. Dance like no one’s watching.
It might sound cliché, but letting loose on the dance floor—or even in your kitchen—can be incredibly freeing. Play your favourite songs, let your body move, and feel the stress melt away. Dancing also boosts your mood and energy levels, making it an instant stress reliever.
4. Be playful with your loved ones.
Reconnect with the people around you by being playful. Crack jokes, play games, or have a bit of playful banter. Creating moments of shared laughter strengthens bonds and brings a sense of joy into everyday situations.
5. Try something completely ridiculous.
Whether it’s wearing a silly outfit, attempting a goofy TikTok trend, or trying karaoke, doing something absurd can break the monotony. Letting go of the need to be “cool” or perfect opens the door to laughter and new experiences. The best part is that these moments often become cherished, funny memories.
6. Spend time with kids.
Children are experts in living in the moment and having fun without overthinking. Whether it’s playing pretend, running around in the park, or colouring outside the lines, their carefree energy can be contagious. Spending time with kids can remind you how freeing it is to let your guard down.
7. Allow yourself to be a beginner.
Trying something new—especially something you’re not great at—can be both humbling and fun. Whether it’s painting, learning to skateboard, or taking up a quirky hobby, embracing imperfection takes the pressure off and lets you enjoy the process. Plus, the excitement of exploring something unfamiliar adds an element of adventure to your routine.
8. Watch or read something silly.
Take a break from heavy dramas and documentaries and dive into something purely entertaining. A comedy show, a stand-up special, or even a collection of funny memes can instantly lift your mood and remind you to laugh. Immersing yourself in more lighthearted content provides a refreshing escape from everyday stresses.
9. Say no to overthinking.
Overanalysing every decision or situation can weigh you down. Instead, try going with your gut or taking action without overthinking. Allowing yourself to let go of unnecessary worries creates space for spontaneity and joy.
10. Be around fun-loving people.
Energy is contagious, and spending time with people who don’t take themselves too seriously can help you loosen up. Their carefree attitude can inspire you to laugh more and embrace the lighter side of life. Surrounding yourself with positivity encourages you to adopt a more playful outlook.
11. Indulge in harmless mischief.
Let your inner prankster out by pulling a lighthearted joke or playing a harmless trick. It could be something as simple as hiding a funny note in someone’s bag. Moments of mischief remind you that life doesn’t always have to be serious or predictable.
12. Take a break from adulting.
Sometimes the weight of responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Give yourself permission to take a day off from chores and obligations. Even a short break can help you recharge, reset, and remember that not everything in life needs to be perfectly managed.
13. Let go of what other people think.
Worrying about how people see you can hold you back from having fun. When you stop caring so much about opinions, you free yourself to act authentically and embrace joy without judgment. Confidence in your quirks is what makes life feel truly fulfilling and unique.
