Hey {{ first name | there }}! Welcome back to The Flow by Flocus. If you’re new around here, welcome! 👋 You can catch up on our previous editions right here.
This week: We’re getting whimsical! Why adding playfulness to your daily routines is good for your focus and brain health, plus some creative ways to do it.
🍭 What’s Whimsy Again?
Whimsy = Anything that’s purely fun, playful, and appealing to your inner child
A few newsletters back, we talked about that “off” feeling you get when you’re spending too much time in the digital world and not enough in the physical one.
Adding whimsy to your life is one way to solve the doomscrolling / digital overload problem.
There are no right or wrong answers to the whimsy question. Follow your heart, your senses, and your tastes to find what speaks to you.
But before we share our thoughts on how to do that, let’s explore why being more whimsical is good for your brain.
💆♀️ How Whimsy Benefits Your Brain
⚖️ Balances your time between work and play — We’re easing out of “crunch mode” season and into a time of rest, relaxation, and indulgence. Make the most of it with lots of fun memories!
🧑🏫 Helps work and daily life feel more rewarding / motivating — Ever returned from a break feeling refreshed and ready to get back into a “productive” groove? Just like that post-vacay glow, whimsy gives your brain a big boost of happy chemicals.
🌈 Gives your life more color, texture, and meaning — We mean this in the literal sense just as much as the figurative one. From arts and crafts to gatherings with loved ones, whimsy is a key part of life’s most unforgettable moments.
🕵 Sharpens your attention span — While some whimsical activities, like playing video games, can involve screens, most require us to get out into the world. Living in the present moment this way helps us slow down, notice the finer details of each moment, and appreciate where we are.
Now that you know why you need more whimsy in your life, how do you go about it? Scroll on for our top 3 tips!
🛝 Ways to Be Whimsical This Summer
🦹 Try a new look
Nothing says “whimsical” quite like a bold ensemble. Of course, your personal style, taste, and expression are most important, so do what feels right to you.
Again, no wrong answers! Forget everything social media has taught you about how you “should” look or dress, and don’t be afraid to try something new or outside of your comfort zone.
🫶 Treat yourself to a “date”
Who says dates are just for romantic partners? You can absolutely show yourself some love with simple outings and adventures.
Examples: Put on a cozy outfit and walk to the park / Savor a bevvy at your favorite cafe / Work at the library / Do some window-shopping / Order a dessert from a local bakery
📸 Channel your favorite eras & hobbies
No matter how old you are, channeling your inner child’s faves is one of the best ways to get whimsical.
For us here at Flocus, that involves things like playing retro console games, making collage art, and practicing photography with Y2K film cameras.
If another era’s calling you — like the ‘60s, ‘70s, or ‘80s — explore the internet (or even the physical stacks at your local library) for fashion and lifestyle inspo! Thrift and pawn shops are also great places to find retro tech and clothes on the cheap.
🪅 Flocus Picks
A curated list of things worth sharing.
What That “Off” Feeling Really Means & What to Do About It (The Flow Archives) — Subtle signs that your body, brain, and senses need more stimulation and less screen time
How to Romanticize Your Life — From visualizations to pop culture, we’ve got more techniques for making life feel more fun, playful, and colorful
pokemon lofi (Playlist) — We’ve almost certainly shared this playlist before, but it’s one we listen to often while working on The Flow. Makes us feel nostalgic and (yes) whimsical!
✨ Flocus: Your Personal Productivity Dashboard
Whimsy works best when the boring stuff isn't in the way. Flocus keeps your tasks calm and contained so you can actually switch off and enjoy your summer, without things piling up while you're gone.
🗳️ POLL: Which type of whimsy sounds most like you?
What’re you up to this week, month, or summer that feels whimsical? Tell us in the replies! We’re super excited to attend a culture day complete with food, street performances, and educational talks.
Oh, and keep your eyes peeled for next week’s newsletter 👀 We’ll share even more whimsical ways to level up everything from your fashion sense to your productive habits!
Until next Sunday,
Flocus Team
