Time affluence is the subjective feeling of having free time, contrasting with the negative state of time famine, which mimics the effects of hunger famine. Research indicates that time famine diminishes happiness and triggers the fight or flight response. To combat this, individuals should prioritize and free up time, such as by trading money for time-saving services like dining out. Making use of 'time confetti,' those small pockets of time scattered throughout the day, is essential. Engaging in activities like connecting with friends, deep breathing, or positive self-talk during these moments can significantly boost happiness levels.
We're not great at knowing what makes us happy, says Laurie Santos, host of "The Happiness Lab." Laurie joins Maya for a wide-ranging conversation about the latest happiness research and her favorite happiness-boosting strategies. They also discuss how much of our happiness is hard-wired, if there's such a thing as thinking about happiness too much, and what you should know if you ever feel guilty feeling happy, given the state of the world. For more on Laurie, check out her podcast "The Happiness Lab."
If you liked this episode, try this one from the archive: “The Science of Happiness and Change.”
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