‘Don’t seize the day, just tickle its belly’ goes an old Thai proverb – and here’s how that nation’s concept of ‘sanuk’ could make us all happier and healthier
A desire to look on the bright side of life is part of being human – in fact, the trend for seeking glimmers and micro joys in the everyday has never been so popular. But in Thailand, AKA the ‘Land of Smiles’, they’ve been doing this for centuries. It’s all to do with the philosophy of ‘sanuk’.
This word (pronounced san-ook) is both an adjective (loosely translated as ‘fun’) and a verb (‘to be funny’ or ‘to have a good time’), but the concept is broader than that. For Thai people, sanuk is about bringing a sense of playfulness to life, particularly when things become dull and monotonous: it’s silliness in the middle of a boring task; it’s lighthearted banter between friends; it’s a joke to puncture the atmosphere when things get unnecessarily serious – but it never tips over into cruel mockery. Sanuk’s overriding ethos is about nurturing relationships through fun and pleasure – ultimately making our lives more enjoyable.
This light approach to life appealed to Karen Sinotok, author of The Little Book of Sanuk: The Thai Secret to a More Joyful Life, when she moved to Thailand more than 30 years ago.
“Thais never pass up an opportunity to enjoy themselves, and are always looking for ways to laugh,” says Karen, who points out that their Buddhist faith helps them live in the moment, rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future.
She adds that Thai people “have an instinctive understanding that relationships make us happy. This means that the Thai sense of fun is combined with the philosophy of putting the happiness of others first, to create a communal experience where everyone benefits.”
Want to join the fun? Here’s how to bring that sanuk spirit into your life…
Work hard, play hard
Any good manager appreciates that when colleagues bond, work improves. But team-building need not revolve around after-work drinks or an annual away day. Why not suggest your workplace holds a monthly baking competition, or a (not at all serious) awards evening to hand out gongs for ‘Best Tea Maker’ and ‘Funniest Zoom Meeting Moment’?
Karen says that when she’s in the office, she heads to the communal kitchen. “It’s not just a good excuse for a screen break, it’s an opportunity for a sanuk moment with whoever’s in there. I’ve bonded over everything from the creative interpretation of what goes into our food recycling bin – Pret packaging, anyone? – to the mysterious disappearing forks.”
A sanuk way to exercise
Even though endorphin-boosting physical exercise makes us feel good, it’s sometimes a chore to hit the gym, or pull on your running gear. But incorporating play into your workout routine – very sanuk – can boost motivation.
Take inspiration from your childhood. When you were a child, you probably spent all day climbing trees or chasing your friends in a game of tag. Nowadays, trampolines, skipping ropes, and hula hoops (albeit weighted) are just as likely to be found in the gym as in a playground, and all are perfect for low-impact cardio exercise.
In the true spirit of sanuk, team games (that perhaps you haven’t played since school) are not only fun, but also a great way to socialise. There may be a local netball, football, or hockey team in your area, or check out Rabble who organise social meetups, featuring classic games such as British Bulldog and Capture the Flag.
Applying sanuk to digital life
Doomscrolling through social media, or getting distracted by a stream of notifications, can quickly drain the joy out of life. But love it or loathe it, technology is part of our modern world. Applying sanuk to your screen time can help you get the best out of it (such as connecting with long-distance friends, or finding inspiration) without it dragging you down.
In her book, Karen suggests marking out specific periods in the day to go phone-free – whether at the breakfast table, on a walk, or in bed. Think about curating your social media feed – unfollow any accounts that make you envious or anxious, and fill it with inspirational, funny, and uplifting ones. Seen a funny meme? Share it with a friend who needs a bit of cheering up.
Sanuk when you’re alone
With community at the heart of sanuk, can we ever experience it when we’re by ourselves? Karen believes we can. “When life is lacking sanuk, Thai people plan it,” she says. “When you’re by yourself, take the opportunity to organise fun in your life and plan a sanuk occasion – the delicious thrill of anticipation can be as much fun as the event itself. Simply cast your mind back to when you had the best time – think about who you were with, and make an effort to meet up with them again.”
Alongside getting imaginative and planning some future fun, you could also be a bit more literal and play with pets – their enthusiastic energy will feel contagious! Or get carefree and learn a dance routine (with no one watching), or make yourself a fancy drink – hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, or a fruity mocktail in a fun glass, anyone?
Expand your own community
Whether you enjoy being alone, prefer hanging out with a couple of close friends, or thrive within a wide social circle, everyone can benefit from creating new connections of all types. Karen believes that this is crucial to the process.
“For a sanuk-filled life, we need to embrace human interaction on a wider scale than we might be used to, or feel comfortable with. We can all improve our wellbeing by strengthening our ties with one another,” explains Karen.
“On my way to work, I’ll have a chat with a fellow commuter, and the barista in my local coffee shop – these peripheral friendships or consequential strangers, whatever you want to call them, they matter. Being connected to the wider community counts, and these kinds of daily ‘weak ties’ are more crucial than anyone used to realise.”
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