650-Happiness Science Pt.3

Did you know there are two types of happiness? Natural and synthetic happiness! Today, we wrap up this mini-series by diving into how we can manufacture our happiness ourselves.

 

Transcript:

 

Welcome to Everyday Happiness where we create lasting happiness, in about 2 minutes a day,  through my signature method of Intentional Margins® (creating harmony between your to-dos and your priorities), happiness science, and musings about life. 

 

I'm your host Katie Jefcoat, and for the past two episodes, we have been talking about natural versus synthetic happiness. Today, we are diving into creating it ourselves. While natural happiness is excellent, it doesn’t always happen. That’s okay. We can manufacture the very thing we are chasing. So, how do we do that? The main factor is allowing yourself to recreate a negative situation (or what you think is a negative situation) into something beneficial.

 

• So you didn’t win the race, but getting second pushes you harder to work for 1st.
• So you couldn’t afford the fancy restaurant, but you had a blast with your spouse by doing a picnic.
• So you didn’t get a promotion, now you have more time to spend with your kids.

 

Allow yourself to spin the situation, to hedonically adapt to the case, and remember that unhappiness is always temporary. But what about buying it? Can you purchase synthetic happiness?

 

We all remember the studies about whether or not money buys happiness. In summary, if your basic needs are met, excess money doesn’t create greater satisfaction. So, what should you do?

 

First, spend money on experiences over material things. Rather than buying another pair of shoes, an item for your collections, or a random décor item, spend that money on an adventure. It could be as big as going on vacation, but it doesn’t have to be. It could be taking the kids for ice cream, going bowling, taking your spouse on a fun date, taking an overnight mini trip with your bestie, or literally anything else that gets you out and building memories.

 

Second, spend money on the future. Studies have shown that investing in long-term happiness is one of the best actions you can take now, lasting into your 70s, 80s, and longer. Seven categories make up long-term happiness: not smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy body weight, consistently exercising, improving emotional resilience, continuing education (i.e., lifelong learning), and building relationships. Investing now could look like this:

 

• Attending exercise classes
• Hiring a personal trainer
• Taking healthy cooking courses
• Taking a class on an engaging subject you enjoy
• Seeing a therapist
• Making occasions to see loved ones

 

Again, you are looking at experiences!

 

Lastly, if you do want to spend money on stuff, spend it on others over yourself. Spending money on loved ones or for charities you feel strongly about helps build long-term relationships with your inner circle and your community.

 

I want to leave you with one message at the end of all this. You are in charge of your happiness, and you have the power to adjust it all on your own. 

 

Life is heavy enough, we shouldn’t have to search for happiness.  Get the exclusive happiness email, the happiest email in your inbox, delivered with a smile twice a month. https://www.katiejefcoat.com/email 

 

And, let’s connect on social at @everydayhappinesswithkatie  and join the community on the hashtags #IntentionalMargins and #everydayhappinesswithkatie on Instagram

 

Links:  https://onamission.bio/everydayhappiness/