Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
When Stalin Killed the Weekend (with The Happiness Lab)
Dec 22, 2023
Dr. Laurie Santos, a Yale psychology professor and host of 'The Happiness Lab,' joins the conversation to explore Stalin's drastic changes to work and leisure in the Soviet Union. They discuss how eliminating shared days off impacted happiness and social dynamics. The importance of leisure is emphasized, connecting holiday traditions to mental health and social well-being. Santos shares insights on the surprising benefits of time off, drawing parallels between historical policies and modern work-life balance, crucial for fostering happiness today.
36:29
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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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