When was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt? Or danced like nobody was watching? If you can’t remember, you’re not alone. Somewhere along the way, we swapped having fun for grown-up responsibilities. Play became just for kids, and being serious became the rule for adults.

But here’s the truth: having fun never has an expiration date. Science and psychology prove that having fun fuels sharpens your brain, deepens relationships, and keeps stress from running your life. Yet myths about “grown-up fun” still linger.

Let’s bust five of the biggest ones once and for all.

Myth 1: Fun is only for children

Having fun doesn’t belong to childhood alone because it belongs to everyone.

Play sparks the same brain circuits at 40 as it does at 4. Fun isn’t something you outgrow; it’s something you forget how to prioritize. Research from the National Institute for Play shows that playful activities stimulate creativity and problem-solving. Ever notice how adults who let loose at karaoke, board game nights, or even silly office pranks seem more energetic afterward? That’s no coincidence—it’s our brain chemistry in action.

Fun has no age limit. Childhood may have given us more opportunities to play, but adulthood gives us the choice to bring it back.

Myth 2: Having fun makes you less productive

Casual goofiness doesn’t sabotage your productivity.

Our brains aren’t machines. They can’t grind nonstop without burning out. And having fun works like a reset button that helps us to return to tasks with a sharper focus and more creativity.

Studies found that employees who enjoyed playful breaks not only solved problems faster but also collaborated better. Think about it: which team performs better—the one running on empty after a 10-hour shift, or the one that just shared a few laughs over coffee?

Having fun doesn’t steal productivity. Even a short break can fuel hours of clearer, more productive work.

Myth 3: Fun is a waste of time

Having fun is not wasted time. It’s time well spent.

When we see fun as useless, we miss its real value. It relieves stress, sparks creativity, and strengthens connections.

The American Psychological Association found that laughter lowers cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone. Watching a comedy, playing charades, or even sharing a silly joke works like meditation for the brain. That so-called “wasted” hour leaves you calmer, clearer, and more focused.

Having fun isn’t running away from life’s demands, but sometimes it’s how we recharge so we can handle them better.

Myth 4: Serious people don’t need fun

Being serious about your goals doesn’t mean you have to be serious all the time. People respect hard work, but they also connect with laughter.

Having fun at work doesn’t make you less determined, but rather it makes you more relatable. In fact, a survey found that 90% of employees trusted their leaders more when there was fun at work. Leaders who mix focus with humor earn respect and loyalty, and not just obedience.

Being serious and having fun can go together. The best people know when to work hard and when to enjoy themselves.

Myth 5: Having fun is expensive or childish

You don’t need lots of money to have fun. Real fun often comes from simple, everyday moments.

People often mistake fun for extravagance. We equate it with big trips, theme parks, or pricey hobbies. But more often than not, joy shows up in small things if you pay attention.

Think about it: singing in the shower, drawing in your notebook, dancing in your room, or tossing a ball with a friend. None of these cost anything, yet they can make you just as happy. What changes as we grow older are the activities, not the feeling of joy.

Fun isn’t about money or fancy places. It’s about laughter, energy, and the memories you make with others.

Conclusion

Having fun is something we all need. What makes life feel heavy as we grow older isn’t responsibility, but forgetting how to enjoy ourselves.

This week, try to bring fun back in small ways. Sing in the shower. Doodle in your notes. Share a laugh with a friend until your cheeks hurt. These moments aren’t distractions. They make life lighter.

And if you want a simple companion for those moments, grab a cold drink that reminds you to pause, breathe, and enjoy. That’s the spirit behind SLOW. It’s hydration that not only quenches your thirst but also fuels joy in everyday life. Fun belongs at every table, in every season, and in every sip.