The Power of Fun: How to Feel Alive Again

by Catherine Price

Our emphasis on outcomes and efficiency rather than satisfaction and enjoyment may partially explain some of the high rates of depression and anxiety in teenagers, especially those attending schools that serve as feeders for elite colleges. It certainly hints at why it’s so hard for many adults to prioritize True Fun and to enjoy it when it occurs: we’ve been indoctrinated to believe that there should be a purpose to everything we do, or else it’s a waste of time; as a result, experiences that bring us pure pleasure don’t seem worthy of being treated as priorities, and sometimes even come with a side of guilt.

Also, in many cases our devices are simply amplifying issues that we already had, such as not having good boundaries between our work and home lives, relying on external validation as a proxy for self-worth, overemphasizing money as a metric for the value of our time, and buying into the idea that the best way to achieve health, success, and happiness is to maximize every single thing we do.

a lot of us already have put plenty of work and therapy dollars into learning to identify what stress and anxiety feel like, which is a useful skill. But how many of us have put the same effort into learning how to identify the effects (especially the physical ones) of positive feelings?

“Determine to live life with flair and laughter.” —Maya Angelou

They’re spontaneous. They’re at ease with themselves and comfortable in their own skin. They’re not afraid to be silly. They’re not afraid to try new things and to be a beginner. They’re not afraid to be vulnerable. They’re appreciative of the small things. They find joy in being alive.

In the traditional version of three good things, you set aside ten minutes before bed for seven days and write down your three best moments from that day, paying attention to these specific details: What you did or said and (if others were involved) what they did or said How the event made you feel at the time when you experienced it, and how it makes you feel to reflect back upon it

What you think caused the event—in other words, what made it come to pass

When we encounter something in our lives or environment that sparks delight, no matter how small, we take inspiration from Ross Gay, and we label it.

called “savoring”: the practice of deliberately paying attention to and appreciating the positive things in your life.

When practiced over time, savoring has been shown not only to reliably boost people’s happiness but also to strengthen relationships, increase creativity, and even improve physical health.

Here are a few examples: Brisk fall days Tiny boxes Making my kids laugh Warm coffee Super crispy bacon