The science of fun

Sep 21, 2023

There are things in life that we just seem to know how to do from the get-go—breathing, sleeping, feeling emotions, and yes, having fun! But here's the twist: having fun might not be as straightforward as it sounds. In fact, you might not be doing it quite right. And in doing so, you're missing out on a whole lot of…wait for it, fun!

Now, why should you even care about having fun?

Besides the obvious enjoyment factor, having fun the right way can lead to better physical health, improved mental well-being, a longer life, a boost in creativity, and even increased productivity. So, my friend, let's dive into the world of having fun and figure out how to do it right!

Before we get into the nitty-gritty science of fun, think about some of your fondest and most joyful memories. Jot them down or just make a mental note.

I'll even share a couple of my own fun memories with you.

One memory that brings a smile to my face is when a bunch of friends and I decided to rebel against the mundane and skipped college one day. We hopped on our scooters and zipped to a picturesque lake on the other side of town. It was a serene escape, surrounded by lush greenery, chirping birds, and calm waters. We spent the day strolling along a cobblestone path, chatting away, taking a boat ride, soaking up the fresh air and sun, and of course, capturing those beautiful moments in photos.

Then there's the time my husband and I were heading to work on a regular weekday morning. I jokingly suggested that watching a movie sounded more enticing than a day at the office. To my surprise, he took a spontaneous U-turn, and off we went to the movies, leaving work behind. Ditching responsibility for a film was a load of fun!

In both these fun memories, there's an element of rebellion against the norm. Breaking free from the routine and challenging the status quo can be a blast, don't you think? Maybe being a little rebellious is an optional ingredient for fun.

What about you? Do any of your cherished memories have that rebellious streak?

According to author and science journalist Catherine Price, fun boils down to three essential elements:

Playfulness
Connection
Flow

Playfulness

It isn't about playing games per se; it's more about adopting a light-hearted attitude, doing things to enjoy the ‘doing’ part, not for the outcome. It's about not taking ourselves too seriously and letting go of perfectionism.

Connection

It involves sharing a special experience with others or even with yourself, nature, or your surroundings. Interestingly, in most peak fun memories, there's usually another person involved, even for introverts like me.

Flow

Flow is that state where you get so engrossed in what you're doing that you lose track of time. It's like a musician creating music or an athlete in the heat of a game.

While you can be in flow without having fun (ever been in a heated argument?), you can't have fun without being in flow.

Now, here's where the magic happens. When you have playfulness, connection, and flow all together, that's when things get exciting! It's like a recipe:

Playfulness + Connection + Flow = Fun

I'll confess that writing this newsletter is fun for me. It might not involve jumping for joy, but I've given myself the freedom to let go of perfectionism. There’s genuine excitement in sharing these thoughts with you. There's a connection with myself in every word and I’m fully engrossed while writing it. All three elements of fun right here!

Do your best fun memories tick these boxes too?

Now that we've dissected what fun is all about, let's look at what fun isn't.

Not a waste of time

Fun: Light-hearted pleasure, enjoyment, or amusement; boisterous joviality or merrymaking; entertainment—Oxford English Dictionary

The dictionary definition makes it sound like fun is frivolous, something meant for kids, and optional for the rest.

In reality, fun is not just lighthearted pleasure or another form of entertainment. It’s not just for kids. And it’s definitely not frivolous. In reality, fun is not frivolous; it's the secret to feeling alive, as Catherine Price puts it.

A feeling, not an activity

One might assume that certain activities are inherently enjoyable, such as dancing. While dancing can indeed be a source of joy for those who let loose, it may not hold the same appeal for individuals who feel constrained or have a rigid dance partner.

Likewise, some situations may not initially appear enjoyable but surprise us with their fun factor. During our trip to Italy, we planned a day excursion to one of the hill towns. On our way back to the bus station, we lost our bearings and found ourselves on a more extended yet unexpectedly delightful hike through a pine tree forest. Who knew getting lost could be fun?! As a memento of that memorable experience, I collected a baby pinecone that now rests in my home.

Energizing, not draining

Sure, binge-watching a Netflix series might feel fun at the moment, but if it lacks connection, it's what we call "fake fun." It can leave your mind tired and uninspired, unlike experiences that leave you buzzing with creativity and energy.

In our fast-paced lives, where meetings fill our calendars and we rush from one task to another, we often forget to live in the present. Fun brings us back to the moment and infuses us with vitality. It's not just a luxury; it's a health intervention.

The secret to happiness? It's having more fun moments in our day-to-day. So, let's make having fun a priority. Because, my friend, fun is the key to feeling alive!