A full tank is important for a number of reasons. It reduces the risk of evaporation and contamination, helps to prevent overuse, and saves you money.
But a full tank is also complicated. It’s difficult to measure and varies over time. For instance, the moment-by-moment intensity of our positive feelings is a big part of happiness.
1. It Saves You Money
Almost everyone assumes that more money brings more happiness, but there are limits to that effect. Studies have found that above about $75,000 USD a year (which would allow you to buy most things you want) happiness is primarily driven by health, social connections and leisure time.
Research has also shown that happiness is largely determined by your choices and priorities. So you need to be deliberate about how you spend your money. Instead of mindlessly consuming goods or succumbing to societal pressures, try buying experiences that align with your values and goals.
For example, buying a service that saves you time like a house cleaner or grocery delivery will make you happier than a new television. And giving to others will boost your mood too, a 2008 study found that people who spent their windfalls on other people reported greater happiness levels than those who spent the same amount on themselves. The good news is that most people can improve their happiness by making small changes to their daily routines.
2. It Keeps You Safe
Happiness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s even been linked to lower stroke risk and increased longevity. Happy people may also have more resistance to disease and stronger immune systems, and are more likely to make healthier choices in their daily lives such as getting sufficient sleep.
For instance, happier people tend to prioritize spiritual and non-materialistic values such as love, friendship, a sense of purpose, gratitude, humility and modesty. They don’t worry about keeping up with the Joneses, nabbing a prestigious job or hitting a specific financial plateau. They make healthy food, exercise and social connections a priority. They get enough sleep and know that stress is a major mood deflater.
In addition, happiness is a state of being that’s more stable than pleasure, which can fluctuate in seconds. It’s been argued that efforts to direct public policy around the promotion of happiness could be viewed as paternalistic in nature, though.
3. It Makes Your Car Run Better
There’s a lot of scientific research showing that happiness is a key ingredient to productivity and the ability to tap into creativity. Studies also show that companies that prioritize employee happiness see lower turnover and a higher profitability than those who don’t.
Just like a car can be running on choppy, quick fuel or on full, relaxing gas, meditation teaches you to go through each day with your happy tank filled. It trains your body and brain to be calm regardless of who is around you or what is being said.
Lastly, driving (even when it’s fast) is proven to be more fun than other activities such as riding roller coasters or watching football games. This Focus RS “Buzz Car” study proved it by measuring driver happiness behind the wheel.
4. It Reduces the Risk of Evaporation and Contamination
When you have a full tank, your emotional, mental and physical energy doesn’t evaporate or leak. It’s available to you at any moment to help keep you on track, focused and energized.
Frank found that he had a low endorphins tank, and it was making him feel anxious and tense throughout the day. He also realized that his social tank was running low, because he was spending time with people who didn’t value him or respect his boundaries.
Another tank that many of us find is empty is the spiritual tank. This includes morals, kindness and self-compassion. Filling this tank not only makes you a happier person, but it also feeds into the other tanks to keep them full. One easy way to fill this tank is through meditation. Another is to make it a point to stretch your mind each day. This could be learning a new language, reading a book or watching an educational documentary.