Study: It's the little things that make us happy
My clients come to see me when they decide it's time to find the path to a career that energizes and inspires them. While "where to from here" is the overall focus, the discussions often delve into the question, "How can I make my life today as fun and energizing as possible?"
I'm a big fan of small, simple, and doable. One of the approaches to refining life in the moment is making a list of activities that are fun and energizing, then committing to picking one each day and doing it. No muss. No fuss. Simple as pie.
Here's a study that suggests that the small things in life can make a big difference in our happiness.
The study compared the ‘happiness levels’ of lottery jackpot winners with a control group, using a ‘Satisfaction with Life Scale’ developed by the University of Illinois. Respondents were asked how satisfied they were in relation to different elements of their life, their different mood states explored, how often they treated themselves and what form this took.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t the flashy cars and diamond jewellery that upped the jackpot winners’ happiness quotient. It was the listening to music, reading a book, or enjoying a bottle of wine with a takeaway that really made the difference.
Dr Tunney said: “Modern-day pressures take their toll on everyday happiness. As a result we try to make ourselves feel better and happier through personal rewards and treats. We’ve all heard the saying ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’, and treating yourself is the ideal way to keep spirits lifted when you’re down in the dumps.
The saying that "the best things in life are free" seems to apply here as well...
The survey contrasted cost-free activities, such as walking and snoozing, with expensive ones like overseas holidays. It asked how frequently they might purchase ‘staying in treats’ — like a bottle of wine — and how often they bought themselves items like shoes, mobile phones and DVDs.
The research found that happy people — whether lottery jackpot winners or not — liked long baths, going swimming, playing games and enjoying their hobby. Those who described themselves as less happy didn’t choose the cost-free indulgences. They rewarded themselves with CDs, cheap DVDs and inexpensive meals out instead.
How about you? What small things give you joy?
Curt Rosengren, Passion Catalyst TM
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