10 Experiences That Can Make You Happy in Your Business

Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, conducted a 20-year study that found that experiences make people happy. The reason? Because of something called the the Easterlin Paradox.

This is a phenomenon that states that after we’ve met basic needs, money will only increase happiness to a certain point for the following reasons:

While that’s all well and good, what experiences, make us the happiest? Here are ten that accomplish just that.

Only a very relaxed holiday trip boosts vacationers’ happiness further after return. Generally, there is no difference between vacationers’ and non-vacationers’ post-trip happiness.”

If you don’t have the time, money, or are an introvert, the good news is that even day trips can boost your happiness.

“The main reasons why people enjoy vacations are an increased sense of autonomy (i.e., less structure) and social bonding,” Dr. Nawijn said. “So if you can achieve that during a day trip, I don’t see why it shouldn’t make you feel as good as on vacation.”

Attend a conference or workshop. Either for professional development or just because it’s something you’re personally interested in, is beneficial.

They allow you to mingle with like-minded people and walk away learning something new or exciting. Think about how those people leaving San Diego Comic-Con felt. They just saw an exclusive teaser trailer for an upcoming Marvel blockbuster.

How about the burst of inspiration you now have after listening to Tony Robbins speak?

“It’s that active engagement that seems to be critical,” she says. “People who intentionally interact with music, they’re using an outlet to express their emotions.”

“Music seems to be a way that can facilitate social connections,” Weinberg says. “And we know social relationships are absolutely critical to subjective wellbeing. Anything that has people coming together through mutual interest or commonality will contribute to this, including music.”

Such activities as seeing a play or visiting a museum, reported higher happiness levels and lower anxiety and depression.

The researchers also found that men benefited more from receptive, or passive, cultural activities (like visiting museums, art exhibitions, concerts or theaters).

While women enjoyed active participation events (like club meetings, singing, outdoor activities and dance).

It’s also good for you physically and mentally since it counteracts the effects of stress, anger, anxiety, high blood pressure, and chronic pain.

Most importantly, humans are hardwired to help other others. That’s why giving back feels so awesome. It delivers immense pleasure.

Even if it’s brief, connecting with another person is a guaranteed way to increase our happiness.

Learning something new is mentally stimulating, challenging, boosts your self-confidence, reduces anxiety, and connects you with a new group of people.

Whether if it’s meditating, learning a new language, taking a cooking class, planting a garden, or taking a class to learn a new skill, hobbies will enhance the quality of your life, which in turn will make you happier.

It’s no secret that we’re hardwired to love food — thanks to the release of dopamine.

In short, giving that new Peruvian restaurant just opened -up across town isn’t just going to be delicious, it’s going to make you happy.

She adds, “Trees offer shade, protection and often have fruits and nuts, so they are a source of food as well as protection and comfort.”

Furthermore, the great outdoors increases Vitamin D intake, reduces stress, improves brain function, and keeps us more physically fit. It can even assist with improving social relationships — remember all those friends you made when you went to camp as a kid?

Instead of staying inside, go camping, take a hike, or just relax in a park or beach.

What experiences make you happy?

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