Brits have the most fun at age 27, according to research by Three Mobile, which also found that just three minutes of enjoyable activity can significantly improve mood. The study reveals that 56% of people deprioritise fun as work, responsibilities, and life admin take over.
Why 27 is the magic age
By 27, many people have found their feet in adult life, are at peak physical fitness, and crucially, don't have lots of responsibility. However, planning fun can be a drag: the average plan takes nine days to get from “shall we?” to “sorted”.
Cost (31%), finding a date everyone can do (27%), and being exhausted after work (20%) are among the biggest challenges. As a result, 69% wish they could make more room for spontaneity and fun to disrupt the mundaneness of everyday life.
Raving Slabs in London
To give people a lift, Three Mobile has teamed up with DJ Woody Cook to “Let Fun In” by transforming some of London’s grey paving slabs into “Raving Slabs”. The giant, playable soundboard hidden in the pavement is the first of its kind in the UK, bringing a surprising soundtrack to dull days.
Passers-by can freestyle to create their own track from a selection of sounds curated by Woody, or from samples of The Donna’s ‘Dancing With Myself’, as featured in Three’s latest TV advert. Woody said: “As a DJ, the magic is always in the unexpected. When life starts feeling a bit rinse-and-repeat, it’s great to switch things up. Raving Slabs is all about taking those night-out vibes and dropping them into the middle of your Monday commute. Three has started the chain reaction, now it’s over to everyone else to follow the beat, lean into the spontaneity, and make everyday moments a lot more groovy!”
Three minutes of fun can change your day
The good news is that 55% find that doing something enjoyable for just three minutes can radically improve their mood. Psychologist Honey Langcaster-James said: “We often assume fun needs hours of free time or a big plan, but that can make it feel like another thing on the to-do list. Three’s research shows that just three minutes of fun can make all the difference. Sometimes a small, spontaneous moment is all it takes to break the routine and change the feel of your day. Whether it’s simply being open to an unexpected invitation, a laugh with someone or a moment of play. Letting fun in little and often can make it feel much more achievable in everyday life.”
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of Brits said they felt instantly happier when an invitation lands on their phone. Yet the group chat can leave us in limbo, as two-fifths (42%) admitted that plans often go nowhere.
Rob Winterschladen, consumer director at VodafoneThree, said: “We know people haven’t lost their appetite for fun, but sometimes life can just get in the way. Our ‘Let Fun In’ campaign is about making it easier to say ‘why not?’ when a chance comes along. At Three, we’re giving customers more ways to make more of those opportunities - whether that’s a plan that fit your plans or benefits that unlock more fun. ‘Raving Slabs’ brings that idea to life in a playful way, showing how a small surprise can brighten even the most ordinary day.”
Three is making it even easier for customers to ‘Let Fun In' with a range of treats and rewards on the Three+ app. Three’s ‘Raving Slabs’ experience is free and open to the public today (7am-6pm) at One New Change, London (near St Paul’s).
Top 10 things to do with three spare minutes
- Listen to a favourite song – 29%
- Have a favourite snack or treat – 27%
- Play a quick game on their phone – 23%
- Play with their pet – 23%
- Have a quick catch-up or laugh with someone – 22%
- Watch a funny video or Reel – 22%
- Send someone a message/photo to make them smile – 21%
- Look back through favourite photos or videos – 21%
- Pour their favourite drink – 20%
- Daydream about something fun – 19%
