The saying goes that all work and no play made Jill a dull girl. Like any cliche, I think there’s a nugget of truth to that saying, but the reality of it goes much deeper. If we’re so focused on work and productivity that we neglect the parts of ourselves that require leisure and enjoyment, then dullness is going to be the least of our worries.

I’ve been working really hard lately. I don’t say that begrudgingly at all. The church is in a really pivotal time of transition, construction, and (God willing) growth, and that puts a great deal of demand on the staff. The past couple of months have been a nonstop barrage of deadlines and projects that are finally starting to culminate into something we can show the world. It’s been good, but it’s been a lot.

In the midst of that heavy workload, I’ve found myself seeking outlets for leisure. It started off unintentionally, but once I noticed it, I realized that this search was something I really needed to prioritize. My subconscious was telling me that if I was going to push myself so hard at work, then I needed to up my game when it came to recreation.

That’s manifested itself in several ways, each of which I’m really thankful for. Since the weather’s been nice, Katherine and I have been able to take Winter for walks most days. This isn’t just a fun way to spend time together; it’s also good for us physically. I went for a jog last week, too. (It hurt.) Before bed just about every night, we pull up a game on Apple Arcade and play for a few minutes. Scientifically, it may not be the best way to wind down, but I actually find it relaxing.

I’ve been trying to keep my creative side happy, too. Of course, writing here always brings a sense of fulfillment. And for fun, I’m always coming up with new ideas for things I could make, including this silly video of me playing a video game:

I’ve never done anything like that before, and it pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it was a thrill to create, and I’m happy with the way it turned out.

You might think I’m a nerd for finding these sorts of things fun, and that’s okay. Everyone has their own definition of what fun is. But whatever it is that you enjoy doing recreationally, it’s important that you spend time doing something you that brings you joy—not for work or a side hustle or any other productive reason. Just for yourself.

Maybe you like hiking in the great outdoors. Maybe you like action movies. Maybe you like dancing or acting or axe-throwing or photography or computers or any number of other things. Whatever it is that you find fun, make sure that you take time out of your schedule to relax and enjoy it. It might seem like a waste of time, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

We are hardwired to need recreation. Yes, we have an innate desire to be productive, too. But contributing isn’t enough. We also have to have fun. If we work 24/7 and never take time to enjoy ourselves, we’re going to become burned out. But if we take time for leisure activities, we’ll actually be more prepared to get back to work and do our best when the time comes.

And the harder we work, the harder we need to play. I don’t mean energy-wise. Some people even consider napping a fun hobby. (Not me.) But if you find yourself in particularly stressful or tiresome life situation, as many of us do right now, then you are in an even greater need for a recreational outlet. It sounds counterproductive, but it’s true.

We aren’t our full selves if all we do is work. It’s just not how we’re made. We need fun in order to be the best, healthiest, most fulfilled people we can be—to be who we’re meant to be. Recreation is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s something I’ve been trying to be more intentional about even as my workload has gotten heavier. I believe it’s made all the difference.

What about you? What role does leisure play in your life? What is the thing that makes you feel relaxed, happy, and light? Have you found it yet? If you haven’t, I’d encourage you to look for it. And if you have, I say lean into it. You need that hobby in your life, so don’t be ashamed to make time for it. I promise you’ll be better for it in the long run.

That’s all for me this week. Thanks for reading, and I’ll talk to you again soon!