Intentionally prioritize having more fun in your adult life by staging regular ‘fun-terventions,’ which are planned activities designed for enjoyment and connection.
Reflect on past experiences where you had the most fun (what, who, where) to identify your personal ‘fun factors’ and understand exactly why you enjoy them, guiding future activity choices.
Be adventurous and push your comfort zone by trying new activities you might expect to be bad at or even dislike (e.g., surfing, crossbows), as these often lead to unexpected enjoyment and growth.
For group fun, implement a structure where each person takes a turn to plan an activity that fits their schedule, and schedule these events one to two months in advance to allow members to ‘save the date’ and ensure consistent participation.
When planning fun activities, prioritize those that are social, make you forget your worries (flow), and encourage playfulness or goofiness, as this combination creates the most enriching experiences.
Foster a group environment where everyone feels confident to try new activities without fear of judgment or embarrassment, even if they expect to be bad, as shared laughter and experience build strong bonds.
Begin your fun intervention journey with a small group (e.g., 3-4 friends), less frequent events (e.g., quarterly), and choose low-cost or free activities to make it accessible and manageable.
Approach fun interventions with an open mind, even if the activity doesn’t immediately appeal to you, as experiences often turn out to be more enjoyable than initially expected.
Attend group activities even if the specific event isn’t your top preference, as the social connection and camaraderie with friends often make the experience more fun than you anticipated.
Allow yourself to be silly and goofy during activities, not caring if you fail or look foolish, as this mindset enhances fun and reduces the pressure of always ‘doing the right thing.’
Keep a ‘Little Delights’ notebook to record simple, amazing things you encounter daily, taking a minute to appreciate and think about them, fostering a sense of wonder.
Leverage the deep connections formed through shared fun to offer practical, tailored support to friends during difficult times, such as sharing advice or helping with tasks.
Share your fun interventions (e.g., through social media) to inspire friends, family, and even co-workers to create their own fun activities, spreading the joy and fostering new connections.
Ensure a forgiving group dynamic where members are not penalized or ‘kicked out’ for missing events, which encourages long-term participation and comfort within the group.
Consider expanding your fun interventions beyond close friends to include extended family members, co-workers, or couples to broaden your social connections and experiences.