Connection: Authentic Living Exercises built on the science of shared fun

Technique: Shared Fun

According to Catherine Price—author of The Power of Fun—fun has three core ingredients: playfulness, connection, and flow. When you combine these intentionally with another person, you’re not just having a good time—you’re building authentic living into your everyday life. It’s a quick, powerful way to reconnect with what lights you up and who you are when the pressure is off.

1. Choose Your Co-Conspirator

Think of someone who brings out your silly side or shares your interests. A friend, roommate, partner, or even a colleague who “gets it” and who gets you.

2. Rebel (Lightly) Against Adulthood

Shake off the shoulds. Choose something playful that helps you step outside the usual routine. You’re not slacking off or being silly for no reason—just creating space to feel a little lighter, freer, and more yourself. You’re reclaiming joy. Try one of these simple ways to invite playfulness back in:

• Cook or bake something new or with no plan
• Sit outside and make up back stories about the people walking by
• Swap a “random question of the day” and see where the conversation goes
• Play a card or board game

3. Protect the Play

Turn off notifications, silence the grown-up voice in your head, and just enjoy. Presence—not perfection—is what makes it real. When you give yourself permission to get lost in the moment, you create space for flow—that sweet spot where time disappears and joy takes over. You’re not wasting time—you’re remembering what it feels like to be fully, joyfully you.