Can Fun Change Your Nervous System
- Jun 8
- 2 min read
Can Fun Change Your Nervous System?
YouTube Description:
Tune into the newest episode of our Energy Works Podcast, where science meets spirit to help you heal, energize, and thrive.
In this third follow-up episode on play, Lauren and Blaine revisit the tension between purposeful activities and genuine play, and whether the two can coexist.
Blaine also shares what happened after the last episode stirred up some defensiveness for her. What started as an experiment with watercolor painting ended in a surprising shift in the nervous system. Her Oura ring data shifted measurably from “stressed” to “relaxed” during and after the session, providing her with real-time evidence that play affects far more than mood.
From there, Lauren and Blaine explore how play can be woven into work itself. They introduce the yogic concept of “Lila,” meaning cosmic play, and how the witness perspective allows you to participate fully in the present moment.
But they don't stop at the bright side. The episode takes an honest turn into play's shadow through discussing boundary-testing teasing, gaslighting disguised as humor, and the pull of addictive play.
The conversation lands on attunement, balance, and the difference between play that restores and play that consumes. This one goes deep and leaves you with a richer, more honest relationship with what it means to truly play. Now available wherever you get your podcasts!
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
00:19 Why Another Play Episode
00:57 Book Play By Stuart Brown
01:18 Redefining Purposeful Play
02:07 Ego Protection And Pushback
04:51 Watercolor Test And Afterglow
05:35 Oura Ring Stress Data
08:19 Proof Play Boosts Performance
09:56 Bringing Play Into Retreat Work
12:37 Lila Cosmic Play Concept
13:30 Witness Self Versus Flow
15:19 Runner Mindset Lightness
15:58 Play Boosts Performance
16:45 Stress Metrics and Recovery
18:41 When Play Turns Harmful
21:11 Addiction and Compulsive Play
23:21 Finding Healthy Boundaries
24:44 Running as a Drug
27:58 Attunement and Flow State
29:40 Conclusion
Episode Resources:
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I love the idea that fun isn't just a break from stress, but an actual tool to rewire your nervous system. I've been experimenting with something similar through https://framepack-ai.com
Love the idea that fun isn't just a mood booster but a nervous system reset. I've been experimenting with this myself using https://yeggi.pro