Well, not the typical F word… F is for FUN!
When was the last time you were laughing so hard that your cheeks were hurting? Or were you so engaged in an activity that you totally lost track of time and place? Hopefully, it wasn’t that long ago, because experiencing these kinds of feelings means you are experiencing True Fun. I am not talking about the regular “how was dinner? Oh, it was fun” kind of fun, but the genuine, joyful, memorable moments of fun. I came across the term “True fun” in Catherine Price’s book “THE POWER OF FUN” which I absolutely recommend reading. She describes it as a feeling that’s created when 3 factors are present:
Playfulness - that lighthearted spirit that allows you to do something just for the sake of doing it without caring about the outcome.
Flow - a full engagement in the present experience to the point of losing track of time.
Connection - the feeling of having a shared experience with someone (mostly with people but could also be with an animal, nature, or even alone).
Having fun doesn’t just feel good, IT IS GOOD for our well-being. It’s energizing, makes us present, improves productivity, enhances creativity, builds our resilience, helps us create social connections by uniting us, and connects us to our authentic selves. Bottom line: the pursuit of fun provides a blueprint for happiness because having fun makes us happier and when we’re happier, we are more likely to have fun.
So how can you have more fun? First, you need to plan having fun just like any other activity and carve out time for it. Second, avoid fun killers such as: distractions (yes, that small screen in your pocket), self-consciousness (how do I look when I dance?), and judgment (I probably look silly). Then, opt to increase connections by interacting more with others in real life. Finally, make it playful by breaking the rules of responsible adulthood, and allow yourself to do something joyful instead.
So, the next time you plan to do something “fun”, think about prioritizing spending time with people you really feel connected with and choose activities that usually generate playfulness, flow, and connection.
Prioritizing fun is prioritizing your own health with proven mental, emotional, and physical positive effects. It is not only for your own benefit but also for the benefit of others, since it will help you show up to the world as a better version of yourself. My personal experience showed me that after I’ve had a fun experience such as skateboarding, playing a silly game with my friends, or dancing, my interaction and communication with the world are much better. I am more patient, relaxed, and energetic. My spirit is uplifted, and my heart is so full, that I have more of myself to give to others.
Check it out for yourself the next time you have fun! And if you’re having difficulties prioritizing fun in your busy schedule, feel free to reach out to me at elinorharari@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to help you with it.
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