A partial tank will only get you so far. If you want to stay happy, you’ll need a full one.
A hedonistic view of happiness identifies it with pleasant experience. An emotional state theory, however, departs from hedonism by identifying it with an individual’s psychological condition.
Both theories are criticized for ignoring other aspects of well-being, such as achievement and knowledge. Worries about paternalism are also raised.
1. You Can Save Money
Happiness is a sustainable positive state of being that endures the ups and downs of life. It can be achieved through many means, including a good sense of purpose, quality relationships and a positive outlook on life. Often, this happiness is fueled by experiences, rather than material possessions. This is where money can help – if used intentionally.
While it’s important to ensure you have enough money for your basic needs, research shows that spending on experiences can boost happiness much more than purchasing items. This includes things like travel, hobbies and events. Also, people who spend money on other people – such as gift giving and donations – have even greater happiness returns on their investment than those who spend money on themselves.
Lastly, it’s been found that focusing on time – for example, buying food from a closer grocery store or hiring someone to do chores – can also improve happiness. After all, time is money!
2. You Can Stay Safe
If you want to stay happy, don’t settle for a life of scarcity. Instead, look for happiness in the things that make your energy rise and heart beat faster. That might mean taking a quick break to do a stretch, set a timer to tidy up a corner of your home or office and toss or give away items that no longer serve you.
Happiness can be found in your relationships, a satisfying career, the beauty of nature or your physical health. Having all of these is not always possible, but you can keep the tank full by exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet and avoiding too much stress.
If you find yourself constantly worried that a good moment will be followed by something terrible, Psychology Today writer Krystine Batcho suggests creating a new cycle for yourself of joy-calm. For example, take a walk in the park and then spend five minutes journaling or talking to a friend. Over time, the joy-fear link will be replaced with joy-calm.
3. You Can Keep Track of Your Expenses
When you’re in the midst of an effort to align your spending with your best possible life, it can be easy to lose track of your expenditures. If you keep track of your purchases for a month or so, you can see what types of goods you’re purchasing and whether or not they’re bringing you happiness.
If you’re not sure how to keep track of your expenses, try keeping a list in a journal or on your phone. Include all of your costs, including bills, groceries, entertainment, and any other items. Make sure you also keep track of your savings so that you have an emergency fund stashed away in case something unexpected comes up.
In the future, focus on filling up your love tank with experiences and gifts to loved ones. This can create lasting happiness that will last long after your bank account balance goes down. It may even save you money in the long run!
4. You Can Avoid Damage
Research has begun to show that being happy promotes a host of health benefits. It helps combat stress, strengthen the immune system, protects your heart, reduces pain and may even extend your life expectancy (Newman, 2015). Happier people are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors such as getting regular exercise, eating well and getting a good night’s sleep. They also tend to rate their happiness levels higher than others do. (2, 3).)
Invest in happiness today and get the most out of your life.