The world often feels dominated by sadness and doomscrolling. But fun is still possible – and necessary. Here are tried and tested ways to enjoy yourself
Cartwheel. On the day we scattered my father’s ashes, we lightened the mood with some competitive gymnastics. I don’t know how it started, but in attempting a cartwheel, I was shocked at my own creeping decrepitude. Over the last year, I’ve been watching online tutorials and practising – and I can do a passable cartwheel now. For that joyful split-second, upside down and wheeling, I’m reconnected with my eight-year-old self. Emine Saner
Have a kitchen disco. Never underestimate the fun ready to burst out of your kitchen. The crucial ingredient? Good music, played loudly. Parcels are my new favourite – the whole family have become superfans since last summer’s awesome Glastonbury set. Tieduprightnow, Gamesofluck, IknowhowIfeel, Hideout, Safeandsound – so many danceable, joyful tracks. Patrick Barkham
Make pancakes. I don’t do it every morning – probably four times a week, though. Pancakes are quite a grand way to start the day, but I’m a grand sort of person first thing. My weekdays are wildly unpredictable now that I have children, and while the chaos of hot butter slapping in a pan and my two-year-old wielding an egg beater isn’t exactly textbook fun, it’s the only moment we’ll all sit down together. I used to think treats were for withholding. Now I know better. Morwenna Ferrier
