Type 2 fun is a concept that describes activities that are not enjoyable while happening but become rewarding in retrospect. According to Jessie Krebs, a global survival instructor, type 2 fun is 'something that wasn’t fun at the time, very much fun later, or at least something that felt like you got a sense of accomplishment out of it.' This type of fun often involves physical challenges like hiking, mountain biking, skiing, or running a marathon, but it can also include learning a new language, cooking from scratch, or solving a hard puzzle, said Tori-Lyn Mills, a licensed clinical professional counselor.
Type 2 Fun Builds Self-Confidence and Resilience
Rebecca Moravec, a licensed professional counselor, explained that type 2 fun provides a sense of accomplishment and challenges the brain, which is a 'prediction machine' focused on survival. 'Type 2 fun lets us seek novelty and uncertainty, physical exertion and even social vulnerability,' she said. This challenge enhances self-awareness and achievement, boosting confidence and dopamine levels, which are involved in motivation and goal pursuit.
Krebs added that type 2 fun is empowering, helping people realize they can face and overcome adversity. 'We’ve got so many challenges facing us right now as a society... being able to face that adversity with an attitude of “I can do this, we can figure this out”... that’s one of the most valuable things that type 2 fun gives us as a culture,' she said.
Handling Discomfort and Distress
In a world increasingly optimized for comfort, type 2 fun helps build tolerance for discomfort and distress. Krebs noted that activities like hiking or camping create appreciation for mundane comforts, such as soft beds. 'Without a little bit of contrast in life, it can feel really dull and monotonous, and we start to take things for granted,' she said.
Moravec emphasized that constantly avoiding discomfort can shrink resilience. 'I think that our resilience tends to shrink... and I think type 2 fun can expand that tolerance for distress or frustration or delayed gratification, and promote more emotional flexibility,' she said. She cautioned that type 2 fun is not about glorifying suffering but about manageable challenges.
Goal-Setting and Self-Trust
Krebs noted that goal-setting is a part of type 2 fun, whether for outdoor feats or mundane tasks like doing taxes. 'I don’t know that there’s any goal you’re ever going to have that is going to be easy the whole way,' she said. Achieving goals builds self-trust, as Moravec explained: 'You begin to trust that you can move through discomfort and that you can come out the other side with more confidence and self-efficacy.'
Living in the Present Moment
Type 2 fun requires presence, which benefits mental health. Moravec said that anxiety is often future-focused, while sadness is past-focused, but presence allows us to be in the here and now. 'If I slow down and I’m present, I can notice the things, I can notice the friendship I’m having with the person who I’m doing this type 2 fun with, or I can notice the beauty if I’m outside,' she said. This can create a sense of relief in a world filled with stressors.
How to Incorporate Type 2 Fun
To start, find your passion, whether it’s fishing, hiking, skydiving, cake decorating, or therapy. Krebs suggested revisiting childhood interests. 'If you have that passion... what do you feel passionate about? And if you’re not doing it, find a way to get that into your life,' she said. It’s also helpful to find a community for support, as type 2 fun can deepen relationships.
Moravec advised asking yourself whether an activity is safe or just unfamiliar. 'Is this safe or is this just unfamiliar. Or, am I avoiding discomfort, or can I handle discomfort? Because I think this is where growth happens, when we push our growth edge is when we’re a little bit uncomfortable, but not unsafe,' she said. Type 2 fun can lead to exhilarating experiences and stories to tell for years.
