Are You Actually Having Fun? How to Ditch Doomscrolling and Rediscover Real Joy
Let’s be clear: I’m not talking about free time. I’m talking about real fun—the “laugh-until-you-can’t-breathe, lose-track-of-time, golden-retriever-in-a-field-of-tennis-balls” kind of fun. The kind that makes your soul say, “Yes. This. This is living.”
Now, if your idea of fun lately has been three hours of TikTok followed by a vague sense of nausea and existential dread… I hate to break it to you, but that’s not fun. That’s doomscrolling—and it’s a problem.
The Hidden Cost of Doomscrolling
According to Harvard Medical School, chronic exposure to negative content through social media can lead to:
Increased stress and anxiety
Headaches and muscle tension
Insomnia
High blood pressure
Emotional burnout
In short: doomscrolling isn’t just a buzzkill—it’s a legit health hazard.
The Science-Backed Benefits of Having Fun
Here’s the good news: the opposite of digital despair is surprisingly simple. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that engaging in genuinely fun, meaningful activities can:
Reduce cortisol (stress hormone) levels
Lower blood pressure
Improve mental clarity
Support weight management
Boost overall well-being and life satisfaction
Yep, having fun is basically a prescription-free health boost. And yet, so many of us have forgotten how to actually do it.
Reconnect with Real Fun (No Screens Required)
If it’s been a while since you’ve felt truly alive, here’s your challenge:
Unplug. Grab a notebook or just take a walk. Ask yourself:
When was the last time I felt fully present and alive?
What activity made me smile, laugh, or lose track of time?
Who was I with? What was I doing?
Once you’ve got a few answers, start carving out time—even just 30 minutes a week—for those joy-filled moments. Fun isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel.
Need Help Finding Fun Again?
If trying new hobbies is your idea of fun, you’re in the right place. Head over to our blog archive for ideas on screen-free hobbies, creative activities, and brain-boosting pastimes that actually feel good.
This post was inspired by a brilliant TED Talk by Catherine Price. Definitely give it a watch if you’re ready to put fun back on the calendar.
