by Michael Rucker | Jul 26, 2021 | Having Fun
In my work researching the science of fun, I have coined a new term: variable hedonics. In short, variable hedonics is a construct to encompass the corpus of science that indicates that variability is one of the primary levers we can play with to live happier lives....
by Michael Rucker | Jan 15, 2021 | Having Fun
Think about the last few advertisements you’ve seen promoting something labeled as “fun.” What comes to mind? I bet I can guess: bold capital letters, colorful text on a vivid background, eye-catching shapes, and a number of exclamation points some may consider...
by Michael Rucker | Dec 5, 2020 | Having Fun
One of the great things about fun is the diversity of accessible, personalized options. In all honesty, what you consider fun is probably another person’s nightmare. For instance, I often talk about my fondness for loud music in contrast to my wife, whose idea of a...
by Michael Rucker | Nov 18, 2020 | Having Fun
Even in the familiar, there can be surprise and wonder. —Tierney Gearon Imagine you’re dead asleep. You got to bed a little late the night before, so your REM cycle is delayed a little later than usual. You’re blissfully dreaming (unaware that you should be up...
by Michael Rucker | Nov 1, 2020 | Having Fun
One of the consequences of our self-sacrificing hustle culture is that it often crowds out time for other worthy activities. Over the past few years, it has become abundantly clear this modus operandi is terrible for our well-being. It excites me to see that more and...
by Michael Rucker | Oct 15, 2020 | Having Fun
It has been in favor for a few years for us in positive psychology to “reinvent” happiness. Just a few days ago, I got a solicitation for an online course from Sonja Lyubomirsky (a researcher of happiness from the University of California, Riverside), literally titled...
