Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford cover image

Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford

When Stalin Killed the Weekend (with The Happiness Lab)

Dec 22, 2023
In this crossover episode, Tim Harford and Dr. Laurie Santos delve into the curious experiment of Stalin killing the weekend in Soviet Union. They discuss the challenges and lessons from the Niprivka workweek system, the impact of synchronized holidays on happiness, and the aftermath of attempting to change the week structure in Nebraska.
36:29

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Coordination and synchronizing time off is crucial to facilitate social connections and avoid disruptions.
  • Perceived control over work schedules leads to higher satisfaction and productivity.

Deep dives

The Benefits of Taking a Break

The Happiness Lab podcast discusses the science of happiness and the importance of taking breaks. Many people struggle to prioritize leisure time, but studies show that rest and relaxation have significant well-being benefits. Surprise rest days given to overloaded students in a Happiness class at Yale University resulted in positive experiences, with students reporting enjoyable activities and memorable moments. It demonstrates the value of taking time off and engaging in enjoyable activities.

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