We often dismiss the small, playful things we do to keep life joyful: collecting trinkets, baking for no reason, blowing bubbles, looking for magic. They’re labelled childish, unnecessary, or unserious. But psychology and neuroscience tell a very different story.

Today, we're breaking down the psychology of whimsy, including:
What “whimsy” actually is and why it’s trending again
How play helps regulate your nervous system
The neuroscience of stress, imagination and brain plasticity
The science of beauty and the brain (neuroaesthetics)
Why small acts of joy can be psychologically protective
15 whimsy activity ideas 

Listen now! 

Watch on Netflix

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

We often dismiss the small, playful things we do to keep life joyful: collecting trinkets, baking for no reason, blowing bubbles, looking for magic. They&rsquo;re labelled childish, unnecessary, or unserious. But psychology and neuroscience tell a very different story.
Today, we're breaking down the psychology of whimsy, including:
<ul>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">What &ldquo;whimsy&rdquo; actually is and why it&rsquo;s trending again</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">How play helps regulate your nervous system</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">The neuroscience of stress, imagination and brain plasticity</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">The science of beauty and the brain (neuroaesthetics)</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">Why small acts of joy can be psychologically protective</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">15 whimsy activity ideas&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Listen now!&nbsp;
<a href="http://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s">Watch on Netflix</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
Subscribe on Substack: @<a href="https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s">thepsychologyofyour20s</a>
For business: <a href="mailto:psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

My book is out NOW: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My book is out NOW: <a href="https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean">https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

The Psychology of your 20s

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

Buy my book, Person in Progress: https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Buy my book, Person in Progress: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655">https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

392. Why is whimsy so powerful 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5acc0339-35b7-4d36-a198-b40300e6f88b/transcript