In recent decades there has been a significant increase in the research on positive psychology or happiness which has resulted in interesting findings that can help individuals make decisions to increase their happiness. Here are some of the interesting articles and resources I have come across and my top takeaways.
Happiness may bring you more money, study says LA Times
-Happier teens were more likely to go to college and get promoted.
-Very happy teens earned 10% higher than average.
The Myths of Happiness Barry Schwartz, Salon
-Happier people live longer and do better work.
-Experiences do a lot more for our happiness than possessions.
-People focus too much on the goal and not on the journey.
Is happiness the secret of success? by Shawn Achor CNN
-Happiness raises sales 37% and productivity by 31%.
-Write 3 new things you are grateful for each day.
5 Reliable Findings from Happiness Research Psych Central
-People who give money away appear to be happier.
-You control about half of your happiness (the other half is genetic).
Why Are Some Cities Happier Than Others? The Atlantic
-There are 3 major decisions in life that affect happiness: where to live, what to do, and with whom to do it.
Ten simple steps to boost your happiness Scouting
-Breaking a sweat can be as effective as antidepressants at fighting depression.
-Happy people live longer and earn more money.
Five habits for creating long-term happiness Fast Company
-Meditate regularly.
-Set aside time each day for a laugh.
Scientific Proof That Happiness Is a Choice Next Avenue
-Happiness from exercise comes from the repeated patterns of believing your behavior matters.
-People who start exercising start eating healthier.
But Will It Make You Happy? New York Times
-Spending money on experiences produces longer lasting satisfaction.
-Money up to a certain point makes people happier because it helps them meet certain needs.
-Hedonic adaptation describes how we quickly adapt to changes.
Don’t Indulge. Be Happy. New York Times
-Survey data shows higher income resulted in better moods, but the impact tapered off after $75,000.
-How we spend our money is more important that how much we make.
Being Filthy Rich Doesn’t Buy Happiness, But Raises Do Wired
-A steadily growing income can increase happiness.
-The ability to purchase things we desire makes a difference.
The New Science of Happiness Time
-Once your basic needs are met, additional income does little to improve your life satisfaction.
Pursuing Happiness: What Works and Why (video)
-Circumstances don’t predict happiness very strongly.
-You need to change what you do not what you have.
There’s More to Life Than Being Happy The Atlantic
-Nearly a quarter of Americans do not have a strong sense of what makes their lives meaningful (or are nuetral).
Is Money the Secret to Happiness? Psychology Today
-Much of the pleasure of acquiring things is in getting them.
-We tend to overestimate the impact of higher income.
-One of the most common regrets is not spending more time with children when they were young.
The Pursuit of Happiness Psychology Today
-Some people are born with a more positive outlook.
-Things are never as bad or good as we expect them to be.
With Age Comes Happiness Time
-Both happiness and depression can increase with age.
-A tough economic time period can affect the well being of an entire generation.
Too much happiness can make you unhappy, studies show Washington Post
-Ed Diener found those who reported the highest life satisfaction later reported lower income and dropped out of school earlier.
-Studies show that sad people are attentive to detail and externally orientated.
Does Having Children Make You Happier (audio) NPR
-Things that people think make them happy often don’t.
-Parents are slightly happier than non-parents.
-Parenting appears to increase happiness more with men than women.
What You Need To Be Happy by Professor Ed Diener (video) Baylor University
-Having work that you love is important for long-term happiness.
-Active leisure is a key to happiness like going hiking.
-People who live in a concrete jungle are not as happy.
-Air pollution lowers life satisfaction.
Can Money Buy Happiness (video) AsapScience
-People who win the lottery often report becoming very unhappy, partly due to ruined social relationships.
-People who spend money on others feel happier.
-Giving gifts to others is positively correlated with happiness.
Happiness Inc. New York Times
-Unhappy people compare a lot and care about the results.
Using Money to Buy Happiness Scientific American
-Simply having more money doesn’t guarantee happiness.
-The greatest increase in happiness is often in the weeks leading up to a vacation, which shows the power of anticipation.
Commuting The Frontal Cortex
-People consistently underestimate the pain of a long commute
-Frey and Stutzer estimate that a person with a one-hour commute has to earn 40 percent more money to be as satisfied with life as someone who walks to the office.
Does Smiling Make You Happy? How Stuff Works
-Studies consistently show that smiling causes happy feelings but there isn’t a definitive explanation.
Shawn Achor: “Before Happiness” (video) Talks at Google
-Positivity or negativity are contagious.
Creative Commons photo by Mark Sebastian