The Three Letter Word That Could Change Everything | Elizabeth Blake-Thomas | TEDxPacific Avenue

Mental Health Crisis & The Importance of Fun - Data indicates a mental health crisis with increased depression, anxiety, and suicide rates globally [3] - Science suggests fun is essential, not extra, for well-being [8] - Playfulness is a resource for coping and thriving, leading to higher life satisfaction, physical activity, and emotional resilience [6] - Lack of fun can elevate stress hormones, alter brain function, and lead to depression, disconnection, forgetfulness, and feeling stuck [7] Practical Application & Strategies - Prioritizing playfulness through activities like "dopamine dressing" can positively impact mood [11] - Connecting with people who bring joy and laughter is crucial [11] - Finding joy in everyday activities, such as mindfully enjoying a cup of tea, can make life a game filled with fun [12][13] Personal Experience & Transformation - The speaker shares a personal journey of reducing PTSD responses from 10 times a day and suicidal ideation from 12 times a day through incorporating fun activities [4] - The speaker emphasizes that incorporating fun is a gradual, continuous process requiring consistent effort [10]