Why we all need to have fun

Current Context: During ongoing Covid cancellations and uncertainty, prioritizing fun is proposed as a remedy for pandemic blues.
Author’s Background: Catherine Price, in her research and upcoming book titled "The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again," explores what makes us feel engaged and alive, emphasizing the critical role of fun in our lives.

Underestimation of Fun’s Importance: Many people fail to recognize how crucial fun is to resilience, happiness, and both mental and physical health.
Definition of Fun: People often conflate fun with mere leisure time activities that are not genuinely enjoyable.

Three Psychological States of True Fun: True fun emerges from the combination of:
- Playfulness:
- Definition: A lighthearted quality enabling enjoyment for its own sake, not reliant on formal games.
- Research Findings: Can be cultivated by seeking more playful experiences, leads to better stress management.
- Connection:
- Definition: The experience of shared joy with another individual.
- Importance: Stronger social ties foster resilience in stressful situations.
- Flow:
- Definition: A state of complete immersion and focus where time seems to vanish.
- Distinction: Active engagement is crucial; passive activities like binge-watching don't qualify as true flow.
- Example Contexts: Being fully present in a sporting event or engrossed in a deep conversation.
- Research Example: Study during lockdown in Wuhan found flow-inducing activities correlated with better well-being; specifics not disclosed.

When people engage in true fun (experiencing playfulness, connection, and flow simultaneously), they report:
- Increased focus and presence.
- Freedom from anxiety and self-critical thoughts.
- Enhanced feelings of connection, both with others and oneself.
Overall, genuine fun is not just pleasurable; it provides significant mental health benefits.

Definition of Fake Fun: Activities that occupy leisure time but do not stimulate playfulness, connection, or flow, such as scrolling social media or binge-watching TV.
Statistics: Before the pandemic, average American phone usage was over three hours, with nearly three hours watching television.
Recommendation: Identify and reduce sources of fake fun to free up time for true fun.

Personal Reflection: Recall three memorable experiences of true fun, characterized by laughter and total engagement.
Examples of Fun Moments: Running barefoot in the ocean, playing fetch with a dog.
Goal: Identify activities, environments, and companions that consistently generate fun for you, recognizing personal uniqueness in fun experiences.

Planning for Fun: While difficulty exists in planning spontaneous fun, prioritizing enjoyable people and activities increases the likelihood of having fun.
Example: Allocating time for music with friends, even when needing to adapt to safety measures (e.g., playing outside in cold weather).

Microdosing Fun: During restrictions, look for ways to incorporate small fun moments into daily life.
Suggestions: Explore activities or skills you’ve wanted to pursue; examples include playing guitar or engaging in simple interactions (e.g., smiling at strangers).
Impact on Mood: Keep track of how these small moments affect your overall mood.

Challenges of Prioritizing Fun: The idea of integrating fun can be daunting, but it is crucial for well-being.
Mindfulness on Fun: Focusing on and noticing moments of fun can significantly enhance one’s overall health and outlook on life.
Metaphor for Resilience: A story of enjoying time on a park bench with a nephew catching falling leaves illustrates the idea that there are always opportunities for fun amidst challenges.
Author Background: Catherine Price is the founder of ScreenLifeBalance.com and encourages readers to discover and embrace fun in their lives.