Want to be Happy? Keep Busy

[NJCher]

I loved this article so much I read it a couple times.


Better busy than doing nothing, scientist proves
The secret to happiness is keeping busy, research has found.


By Stephen Adams
Published: 3:00PM BST 30 Jul 2010

Keeping the mind occupied with tasks - no matter how meaningless - staves off negative emotions, the study found. However, the bad news is that humans seem hard-wired to be lazy in order to save energy, according to Professor Christopher Hsee, a behavioural scientist at Chicago University.

In a study 98 students were asked to complete two surveys. After they had completed the first they were made to wait 15 minutes to receive the next one. They were given a choice of either handing in the first survey nearby or at a more distant location they had to walk to. Whichever option they chose, they received a chocolate bar.

Two-thirds (68 per cent) chose the lazy option.

Those who had taken the walk reported feeling happier than those who had stayed put.

Prof Hsee concluded keeping busy helped keep people happy. He said the findings, reported in the journal Psychological Science, had policy implications.

More at the link: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/7918752/Better-busy-than-doing-nothing-scientist-proves.html


Cher

[Kookaburra]

1. Wow -- my grandmother and mother have said this for years

Keep busy, and you won't have time to worry over things.

Although I was thinking that it could have just been the actual walk that made those folks feel better -- endorphins and all.

[I Have A Dream]

2. Interesting. I agree.

However, in reference to the walkers vs. the people who decided not to walk, I wonder if the people who decided to take the walk were already happier and thus felt as though they had the energy to take the walk. I know that I feel as though I have much less energy when I'm not happy. (Not that I ever feel as though I have much energy...)

Thanks, Cher! :)

[NJCher]

3. the walk

Here's my two cents on that subject. I think some people are predisposed to be busy and I think there might be something genetic about it. Or maybe it's learned behavior. The reason I think this is just myself and the way I act. OK, so it's anecdotal and not scientific but I know a number of people like this.

I'd take the walk because I'd think, "Wow, I can build some of my exercise for the day into this time."

Would it scare you if I told you I have a daily worksheet and on it I have a minimum exercise element? Yeah. And then I'd check that off and be happy and satisfied that I could at least partially check that off.


Cher

[I Have A Dream]

4. Yes, that's very smart!

I agree that it is in some cases genetic.

I do know that I always feel better after getting exercise. :)

[murielm99]

6. I have a daily worksheet, lists and a planner.

I don't know if it is a genetic predisposition, or the fact that I am a Virgo.

Also, I need something to ward off depression. I have just been through a very difficult period in my life. I had to leave a situation that was unhealthy for me. Now I feel like I have very little purpose in my life. Keeping busy helps. Currently, my house is very clean. My pets are pampered. I am cooking good things and reading a lot. A new purpose will reveal itself. I hope it is soon.

[Kind of Blue]

5. This is cute, "I know this is not particularly ethical, but he is happy."

On testing the theory on the academic's research assistant by giving him pointless tasks.

At first I thought either the mental or physical works equally for me. But no, it's the movement that works in two ways. First, the exercise and in so doing things get done - cleaning, organizing, keeping limber.

While working all day on the computer, I keep the television on to the Fitness Channels Belly Dancing segments and move to keep the upper body and waist fluid. Even that little is enough to release endorphins.

[rucognizant]

7. I have to produce, Max!

Just busy doesn't cut it. Any ideas?

[OneGrassRoot]

8. Hi there...

:hi:

What's preventing you from producing? Do you not know what you want to produce, or the best way to do so?

Just wondering. :)

:hug: