Joy does not always arrive on its own. Sometimes you have to build the conditions for it.
The good news is that play is not just for kids, and joy is not only for people who have everything figured out.
Whether you are going through a rough patch or just feel a little flat, small unconventional choices can shift your entire day.
Why Play Matters More Than You Think
Research from the National Institute for Play shows that adults who engage in regular play have lower stress levels, stronger relationships, and more cognitive flexibility.
Play does not mean frivolous. It means giving yourself permission to engage with life without an outcome attached.
The key is figuring out which forms of play actually light you up, and then protecting time for them.
Unconventional Joy Activities Worth Trying
Random Acts of Street Art
Leaving chalk messages, tiny drawings, or stickers in public places is one of the most underrated acts of play available to anyone.
It costs almost nothing and creates a ripple effect. Someone finds your art, smiles, and their day shifts.
Uncustomary has a full archive of ideas to get started. Check out the street art section for inspiration.
Improv and Play Workshops
Improv comedy classes are not just for actors. They teach you to say yes, stay present, and stop overthinking every decision.
One session can permanently change how you interact with strangers, colleagues, and yourself.
Trying a Completely New Game or Experience
Novelty is one of the fastest routes to joy. Your brain responds to new experiences with a dopamine release, which is essentially a natural reward for curiosity.
This can mean board games, escape rooms, or digital experiences. For those interested in UK-based online entertainment, exploring what the new casinos UK scene has to offer is one example of a novelty-driven pastime that has grown significantly.
The point is not the specific activity. It is the act of trying something you have never tried before.
Joy Activity Comparison: What Works for Different Moods
Not every joy activity fits every moment. Here is a quick guide to matching your mood to the right kind of play.
| Activity | Joy Level | Solo or Social | Cost |
| Street art walk | High | Both | Free |
| Improv class | Very High | Social | £10-£30 |
| Online gaming / casino | Medium-High | Both | Varies |
| Random acts of kindness | Very High | Solo | Free |
| Creative journaling | High | Solo | Under £5 |
What the Science Says About Everyday Play
Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play and author of Play, argues that play is not optional for adult wellbeing. It is biological.
In his research, he found that people who stop playing entirely are more prone to rigidity, depression, and a loss of sense of self.
That is exactly the kind of numbing that Uncustomary was built to fight. The antidote is not always a therapist’s couch. Sometimes it is a box of chalk and a sidewalk.
Small Daily Shifts That Add Up
You do not need a free weekend or a big budget to access joy. Most meaningful play fits into gaps you already have.
A five-minute journaling prompt. A weird playlist during your commute. A walk where you photograph only things that are the color yellow.
For more ideas structured around self-love and daily merriment, browse the self-love category and the Uncustomary freebies page for free tools and resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as play for adults?
Anything done for its own sake without a specific outcome attached. This includes games, creative making, spontaneous exploration, humor, and even certain social rituals like trivia nights or dancing.
How do I find the type of play that works for me?
Think back to what you loved doing between ages 8 and 12 before external pressures took over. That era often holds strong clues about your natural play personality.
Is it okay to find joy in digital or online entertainment?
Yes. Digital play is still play. The key is that it feels engaging and free rather than numbing or compulsive. Intentional engagement with games, creative apps, or online experiences can absolutely count.
How does joy connect to self-love?
Joy is one of the clearest signals that you are attending to your own needs. When you consistently deny yourself pleasure and play, it compounds over time into disconnection and low self-worth.
Where can I find more ideas for daily merriment?
The Uncustomary blog is a good starting place. You can also explore the 11K Acts of Merriment list for hundreds of concrete ideas organized by category.