You can be happier in life just by embracing this one habit: Award-winning author shares a simple way to beat stress

Award-winning author Catherine Price, known for her books How to Break Up with Your Phone and The Power of Fun, shared a striking insight in a TED Talk: long-term happiness may come not from chasing grand achievements, but from embracing “true fun” in everyday life. Price explains that moments of playfulness, connection, and flow are essential for mental well-being and even physical health.

Fun as a Health Booster
Price highlighted that stress and loneliness trigger hormonal changes that increase disease risk, whereas having fun relaxes the body and strengthens social bonds, creating protective effects. “So much of life drains us, but fun fills us up,” she said, emphasizing that joy is not frivolous—it is restorative.

The Three Pillars
Price recommends focusing on the core ingredients of fun:

• Playfulness – Adopting a lighthearted, flexible attitude toward life.
• Connection – Building meaningful interactions, even small gestures like saying hello or asking a simple, engaging question.
• Flow – Immersing fully in an activity, reducing distractions, and losing track of time to deepen engagement.

She cautioned against constant phone use, noting it disrupts flow and meaningful connection, and encouraged prioritizing in-person interactions.

Make Fun a Priority
The author’s most practical advice is deceptively simple: prioritize fun. Schedule time with people or activities that consistently bring joy. “Treat fun as if it is important, because it is. It’s a distillation of life’s energy,” Price said. By consciously carving out moments for joy, individuals can experience heightened vitality, happiness, and stress relief.

In a world obsessed with productivity and digital distractions, Price’s evidence-backed approach offers a roadmap to reclaiming everyday happiness. Fun, she argues, is not optional—it is essential for a healthier, more fulfilling life. By embracing playfulness, fostering connections, and diving into flow, anyone can beat stress while feeling more alive each day.