Sometimes it can feel like there just isn’t time for fun. Our lives are already chock full of responsibilities, chores, appointments, and commitments – things that require time and energy. Most of us are so busy juggling careers, family, partners, and running a household–fun feels like a luxury we’re lucky to squeeze in. Adding another activity to our schedule can seem like another task on the to-do list when we have so much going on.

But what if having more fun didn’t require us to DO more? What if it was simply about soaking up the fun we do manage to have, vs. trying to pile something else on top of our already packed-to-the-brim life?

Here are three ways to experience twice as much fun and joy without the added stress of another commitment:

1. Savor the Present Moment

In our crazy busy world, sometimes when we actually make it to the weekend and we finally get to go do something fun, it can be hard to truly be present. We might catch ourselves thinking about a problem at work or an argument we had with our partner, even though we’re out to lunch with a friend or taking our kids to the museum.

But briefly pausing to pivot and focus on the present can completely change your experience, making it more fun! Here are a few ways to re-center and bring your attention back to the present moment so you can truly savor it:

1. Tune into Your Senses: Pause and notice what you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel in the moment. Let your senses fully absorb the experience.
2. Practice Gratitude: Silently acknowledge what’s bringing you joy right now, whether it’s the people, the environment, or the activity itself.
3. Find the Playfulness: Look for small, playful details in your surroundings—a quirky sign, a colorful outfit, or even the way the light filters through a window. Smile at what you notice.

And it should go without saying – put away and silence your phone! You’ll most certainly have less fun if your phone is buzzing and distracting you from the fun you intended to have. So hide it away in your bag – or if you can, leave it at home!

2. Share the Joy

Talking about fun experiences with others magnifies our joy. My sister, dad, and I often share photos of our adventures to keep each other posted on our lives – but really, I think it helps us relive and soak up the good feelings all over again.

If you’re doing something fun with friends or family – follow up after your get-together and talk about what you loved most about the shared experience. Instead of just a quick text to say “it was great to see you!”, reminisce briefly about a funny story someone told that had you all in stitches, or about a favorite song you heard while you were out together. What made the day special? What was your favorite moment?

Having a shared social connection around fun – whether you did something with someone or on your own – creates mutual joy and happiness. And it’ll likely motivate you to make more room in your schedule for fun!

3. Truly Relish the Fun You DO Have Through Journaling

Back in September, I took a morning off from work to go paddle board a mountain lake where the leaves were at their peak of golden fall splendor. The weather was gorgeous, my body felt strong and relaxed as I padddled, and my heart felt happy.

After, I treated myself to lunch and an iced chai (my favorite) on my way home. As I sat by the river enjoying my food, I pulled out my journal and spent just 5 minutes soaking up the fun solo date I’d taken myself on. I wrote about the beauty of the trees, the joy and calm I felt being out on the water, and how grateful I was to have the flexibility to switch my work days in order to take advantage of the great weather.

Spending just a few minutes reflecting on a fun activity deepens your connection to the experience. It can motivate you to prioritize fun more often, as you’ll want to experience more of these positive feelings as you consciously acknowledge them. Expressing gratitude also amplifies the experience, and can even rewire our brains to look for more reasons to be grateful – and find more fun moments in our lives.

Journaling doesn’t need to be lengthy or formal to be effective – after all, it’s just for you! If you’re not sure how to milk your fun experiences with journaling, try these prompts:

1. What made the experience enjoyable?
2. Who were you with?
3. How did it feel in the moment?

Remember, Keeping It Simple = More Fun

Having more fun doesn’t have to mean cramming your schedule with new activities—it’s about making the most of the joy that’s already there. By reflecting on fun moments through savoring the present moment, sharing your experiences with others, and journaling, you can amplify your sense of fun without actually doing more.

Give one of these strategies a try and see how it transforms your perspective. Start small—take a few minutes to savor the moment you’re in right now or relive a favorite memory.

What’s one fun experience you’d love to savor today? Share it in the comments – I guarantee it’ll help your joy expand!