Happiness Myths
At what annual income does happiness plateau according to research?
75,000 USD
To avoid hedonic adaptation, should you invest in experiences or material possessions?
Experiences
Can money buy happiness? If so, how should you spend it?
Yes, if you spend it on others rather than yourself
What percentage of the time do our minds wander, making us feel bad about ourselves?
50% of the time
What are the two "magic happiness pills" according to the research?
Exercise and sleep
What is the term for the psychological phenomenon where we quickly get used to new things like cars, money, or weight loss?
Hedonic Adaptation
What is "negative visualization" and how does it help you appreciate what you have?
Thinking about how you would feel if you didn't have something good in your life; it helps you appreciate what you have more
How many random acts of kindness should you practice once a week to significantly boost happiness?
5 random acts of kindness
What practice helps reduce a wandering mind and makes us happier?
Meditation
How many minutes of exercise should you aim for each day?
30 minutes (doesn't have to be intense or strenuous)
How long are married people happier than singles before their happiness returns to baseline?
1-2 years
What can you write that will boost your happiness for months?
A gratitude letter
What surprising social activity makes us happier, even though many people dislike doing it?
Talking to strangers
Flow activities are "intrinsically rewarding." What does this mean?
They are rewarding in themselves/for their own sake, not requiring external rewards like trophies or social media hearts
Exercise can be more effective than what type of medication for improving mood?
Antidepressants
What percentage of our happiness is actually under our control (not determined by genetics or life circumstances)?
40%
What happens to your enjoyment when you take a short break from something fun and then return to it?
Your enjoyment/joy increases
Besides making you happier, what other benefit do stronger social ties provide?
They make you healthier
What is a "growth mindset" and how is it different from a "fixed mindset"?
Growth mindset: believing most things can be improved with dedication and effort. Fixed mindset: believing your circumstances will not change and will never get better
How many hours of sleep should you aim for each night?
8-10 hours
Humans are typically very bad at predicting how happy or sad something will make us.
Explain why.
We grossly overestimate how happy or sad something will make us. In reality, humans are very resilient and can adapt to pretty much anything.
Why are happier experiences made even better when shared with friends? What does this tell us about happiness?
Happiness is increased through social connection/sharing
What is "time affluence" and how does it help you be more social?
Valuing your free time over money; it helps you prioritize social connections and being with others
If you focus on learning rather than outcomes, why will you be happier even if you fail to achieve your goal?
Because you've learned something from the experience, so it's still valuable even if you didn't achieve the specific outcome
Name all four areas of your life that worsen if you don't get enough sleep, even if you're doing everything else right.
Health, mental health, cognition, and mood