Serious Fun

Think about the last time you were stressed. I bet you slowed down, maybe took a nap, or even did something fun.

No? Well, you may be missing out.

You know that famous neurotransmitter, dopamine? The one we keep hearing gets things done? Well, when we're in a positive emotional state (fancy talk for “happier”) our brain releases this lovely little chemical, helping us think more flexibly, connect ideas, and solve problems.

Thanks to research from UNC’s Barbara Frederickson, we know that positive emotions like joy, playfulness, curiosity, and amusement literally broaden our cognitive capacity. Negative emotions narrow our focus (useful when you're running from a bear, not the best for brainstorming). Positive emotions open it back up.

Basically, when people are having fun, they think better.

Now here’s the sticky bit; according to Harvard’s Arthur C. Brooks we tend to be pretty good at pleasure (passive, fleeting activities like scrolling, snacking) but we get better value from enjoyment,which requires presence, consciousness, and often other people.

Cool. So mindless scrolling when I’m stressed won’t help in the long term, but my friends aren’t free for another month. Now what?

Start small:

• Audit your week: when did you last laugh? If you can't remember, that's useful data.

• Add one "fun first" to your calendar. Pet a dog, do a silly dance, don’t overthink it.

• Practice one swap. Replace scrolling with your favorite crossword, replace snacking with walk to your favorite playlist.

Play is a neurobiological need that we need to practice even as our knees start to creak and hangovers start to hit hard.

Fun is one of the most evidence-based tools you're not using. Go have some!

Today’s references are brought to you by: Influence by Robert Cialdini, Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, “Broaden and Build Theory of Positive Emotions” by Nicole Celestine (referencing Barbara Fredrickson), “Choose Enjoyment over Pleasure” by Arthur C. Brooks