

When Stalin Killed the Weekend - A Happiness Lab/Cautionary Tales Crossover
35 snips Dec 18, 2023
Tim Harford, an economist and author known for his insights on behavioral economics, joins Dr. Laurie Santos for an intriguing discussion. They delve into the historical impact of Stalin's regime on weekends, showcasing how enforced work schedules can undermine happiness. The conversation highlights the joy of giving, the significance of collective time off, and innovative approaches to rest in modern work cultures. They also explore the link between scheduled leisure and mental health, alongside Denmark’s model of work-life balance and its positive effects on community engagement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rest is vital
- Prioritize rest and holidays for well-being.
- Designate specific rest days to avoid burnout and maximize happiness.
St. Lubbock's Day Riots
- The UK's 1870s bank holidays spurred unexpected social unrest.
- Riots between mods and rockers erupted, causing widespread panic.
Niprevka's Downside
- The Soviet Union's 'continuous work week' (Niprevka) staggered worker rest days.
- This disrupted social life and family time due to misaligned schedules.