Unveiled Factors Strongly Linked to Individual's Contentment Levels
In the realm of happiness and wellbeing, two significant studies conducted at Harvard University have shed light on factors that contribute to a happier life.
Firstly, the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a long-term project, has revealed that the quality of relationships is the strongest predictor of long-term happiness and health, surpassing factors such as wealth, IQ, or fame [2][3]. People with warm, trusting, and supportive relationships tend to live healthier and longer lives with greater wellbeing.
Secondly, a study led by Harvard Business School professor Leslie Perlow focused on how we spend our time, particularly our discretionary hours, and its impact on our happiness. The research found that while we have approximately 26 hours of free time each week, we only experience about 10 hours of joy. This discrepancy suggests that the way we focus our attention during our free time plays a critical role in our happiness [1].
The findings from these studies suggest that investing in meaningful relationships and intentionally focusing and engaging during free time are central to achieving happiness. The studies did not find a correlation between enjoyment of a task and happiness, nor did they suggest that a wandering mind brings us to a happier state of being.
Interestingly, the studies found that we tend to be at our happiest when we are thinking about what we're doing. A study conducted as part of this research used an iPhone app to survey participants, who were asked to fill out a quick questionnaire when notified, inquiring about what they were doing and whether they were thinking about it [1].
While these studies do not provide evidence or data to support the claim that matching thoughts to actions increases happiness, the author of the article, Tara Massan, suggests that practicing this alignment might be a means to boost happiness levels. The mind can be trained to wander less with practice, dedication, meditation, mindfulness, and contentment [1].
In conclusion, the studies highlight that both where we focus our attention (on relationships or joyful activities) and how we manage our discretionary time are crucial elements in our pursuit of happiness. As we navigate our daily lives, it may be beneficial to consider these findings and strive for mindfulness in our thoughts and actions.
[1] Massan, T. (2022). Focus on Happiness: How Mindfulness and Relationships Can Change Your Life. The Happiness Journal. [2] Brickman, P., Coates, D., & Janoff-Bulman, R. (1978). Lottery Winners and Accident Victims: Is Happiness Relative? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 36(8), 917-927. [3] Vaillant, G. E. (2012). Triumphs of Experience: The Men of the Harvard Grant Study. Little, Brown and Company.
The studies indicate that investing in meaningful relationships and mindfully utilizing discretionary time are essential for achieving greater happiness and well-being. These findings suggest that focusing on what we're doing and aligning our thoughts with actions could potentially enhance our happiness levels.
