Despite how down in the dumps you may be, social scientists say happiness makes life more fulfilling and provides a sense of belonging. Best-selling author, speaker and Harvard grad, Shawn Achor, “Our daily decisions and habits have a huge impact upon both our levels of happiness and success.” Research continues to support facts that a positive mental attitude will help you overcome any obstacle you may encounter.
The hard truth is that meditating, fishing, going to church, watching the match and exercising all make people happier than spending time with their children. In fact, an afternoon with the kids ranks only slightly higher than taking the dog for a walk for boosting contentment.
The 33 things that definitely make us happy
(% increased happiness)
- Intimacy, making love 14.20%
- Theatre, dance, concert 9.29%
- Exhibition, museum, library 8.77%
- Sports, running, exercise 8.12%
- Gardening, allotment 7.83%
- Singing, performing 6.95%
- Talking, chatting, socializing 6.38%
- Birdwatching 6.28%
- Walking, hiking 6.18%
- Hunting, fishing 5.82%
- Drinking alcohol 5.73%
- Hobbies, arts, crafts 5.53%
- Meditating, religious activities 4.95%
- Match, sporting event 4.39%
- Childcare, playing with children 4.10%
- Pet care, playing with pets 3.63%
- Listening to music 3.56%
- Other games, puzzles 3.07%
- Shopping, errands 2.74%
- Gambling, betting 2.62%
- Watching TV, film 2.55%
- Computer games, iPhone games 2.39%
- Eating, snacking 2.38%
- Cooking, preparing food 2.14%
- Drinking tea/coffee 1.83%
- Reading 1.47%
- Listening to speech/podcast 1.41%
- Washing, dressing, grooming 1.18%
- Sleeping, resting, relaxing 1.08%
- Smoking 0.69%
- Browsing the Internet 0.59%
- Texting, email, social media 0.56%
- Housework, chores, DIY 0.65%
7 things that definitely won't make you happy (% decreased happiness)
- Travelling, commuting -1.47%
- In a meeting, seminar, class -1.50%
- Admin, finances, organizing -2.45%
- Waiting in line -3.51%
- Care or help for adults -4.30%
- Working, studying -5.43%
- Sick in bed -20.4%
The most pleasurable experience reported by the “Mappiness” app users is lovemaking or intimacy, which boosted happiness levels by 14 percent, followed by leisure activities, such as going to the theatre, visiting a museum or playing sport.
