Can you save on happiness? Is it possible to live for your pleasure without going into debt, even with a modest income? Here is what science says.
It is difficult to be happy when you live paycheck to paycheck, wondering where to get money for groceries and bills. However, wealth, which so many strive for, does not guarantee a happy life, writes doctorpiter.
"Some studies show that income is somewhat related to happiness, but the most authoritative scientific works say the opposite," says Doctor of Medical Sciences Jordan Grumet.
According to the expert, money increases happiness up to a certain limit, but once that threshold is reached, finances no longer bring joy. For example, in a Harvard study that observed volunteers for over 80 years, the authors concluded that it is not money that makes us happy, but good relationships with people.
"Happiness is most closely related to interpersonal connections — our relationships and sense of community," explains the doctor.
Still, according to the expert, happiness can be bought. Some people indulge themselves with new things, others buy experiences, and some spend money on hobbies, education, and new skills. Which of these three methods will bring more happiness?
Things
Walking through shopping malls or browsing marketplaces is a special kind of pleasure for many. To protect oneself from shopping addiction and spontaneous, unnecessary purchases, psychologists have even suggested an unusual trick — adding items to the cart without buying them. Then, if you still want to, check the cart after a few days.
However, you can't stay happy in new clothes for long. Research in neuroeconomics shows that a new item only causes a brief spike in dopamine — the pleasure hormone, after which we return to our previous mood.
Experiences
According to experts, spending money on experiences is a much more profitable investment. In 2020, researcher Amit Kumar from the University of Texas at Austin conducted a study and found that people derive more satisfaction from spending on travel, entertainment, outdoor activities, and dining out than on purchasing clothing, jewelry, furniture, and gadgets.
A person is happy before the event, anticipating pleasure; happy in the moment, and also afterward, when recalling the experience. And in all these time frames, the level of happiness is incomparably higher than from any material purchase.
However, one can also get tired of experiences.
"One luxurious trip may seem extraordinary, but if you repeat it ten times a year, the shine will fade," assures Dr. Grumet. "Experiences, like things, lose their power if consumed without balance and deep intention."
New Skills
According to the expert, a highly underrated yet most effective way to buy happiness is to spend money on personal development. Not just chasing pleasures, but achieving goals, growing, and becoming the best version of yourself.
"Even a small goal focused on the process contributes to happiness, health, and longevity. You strive for this goal, attend classes, courses that ignite and invigorate you," reflects the expert in Psychology Today.
Moreover, it is not necessary to pay large sums for elite training. Perhaps a small writing club at the local library or a volunteer movement that awakens your hidden organizational talent will provide much more than expensive education.
"The most significant investments in yourself often cost less than you think," assures Dr. Grumet.
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