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Happiness research & mid-life slumps
Oct. 4th, 2005 09:28 pmThis made me think a bit. When I'm working 10-12 hours a day, I get into my work while I'm doing it...and resent that it takes away time from the rest of my life. When I'm working 8 hours a day, I get into my work while I'm doing it...and resent that it takes away time from the rest of my life. Hrm.
I'm mainly posting this for the suggestions for getting off "automatic" and enjoying life, so I'm leaving those uncut. The rest is available if you want more context.
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( If you're in your 40s, you are probably pulling down a bigger paycheck than ever before, and your portfolio has never been fatter. And yet, if research by economists and psychologists is any guide, you have never been more miserable. What's going on here -- and what can you do about it? Here are some lessons from the burgeoning field of 'happiness research.' )What can you do about all this, particularly if you are in your 40s and feeling glum? Consider three strategies.
First, research suggests you can boost happiness by "counting your blessings." Sure, this sounds hokey. But according to experts, pausing occasionally to appreciate what you have may counteract the tendency to take improvements in your life for granted.
Second, think carefully about how you spend your spare time. The temptation is to opt for stuff that seems fun or easy, especially if you are getting run ragged at the office.
But studies indicate you will likely be happier if you make a point of trying activities that are enriching or challenging, such as volunteering or taking up a new exercise program, Prof. Schkade says. Be sure to mix it up a little, so these activities remain stimulating and you don't fall victim to hedonic adaptation.
Third, cultivate friendships. Research indicates that friends are one of the biggest contributors to happiness. Want proof? Check out the list in the accompanying [sidebar]. Among the most enjoyed activities, socializing with friends ranks second only to sex. ( ... )
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The sidebar (inside the cut) was originally a graphic. I transcribed the text.
I'm mainly posting this for the suggestions for getting off "automatic" and enjoying life, so I'm leaving those uncut. The rest is available if you want more context.
------------
( If you're in your 40s, you are probably pulling down a bigger paycheck than ever before, and your portfolio has never been fatter. And yet, if research by economists and psychologists is any guide, you have never been more miserable. What's going on here -- and what can you do about it? Here are some lessons from the burgeoning field of 'happiness research.' )What can you do about all this, particularly if you are in your 40s and feeling glum? Consider three strategies.
First, research suggests you can boost happiness by "counting your blessings." Sure, this sounds hokey. But according to experts, pausing occasionally to appreciate what you have may counteract the tendency to take improvements in your life for granted.
Second, think carefully about how you spend your spare time. The temptation is to opt for stuff that seems fun or easy, especially if you are getting run ragged at the office.
But studies indicate you will likely be happier if you make a point of trying activities that are enriching or challenging, such as volunteering or taking up a new exercise program, Prof. Schkade says. Be sure to mix it up a little, so these activities remain stimulating and you don't fall victim to hedonic adaptation.
Third, cultivate friendships. Research indicates that friends are one of the biggest contributors to happiness. Want proof? Check out the list in the accompanying [sidebar]. Among the most enjoyed activities, socializing with friends ranks second only to sex. ( ... )
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The sidebar (inside the cut) was originally a graphic. I transcribed the text.
