The top helpers for happiness:
- Helping others through service, acts of kindness, volunteering, etc. Despite this fact, the number of Americans volunteering is on the decline in America.
- Worshiping at religious services.
- Working out.
- Money can lead to happiness if well-used. The more that money is used to purchase experiences - vacations, outings, etc - rather than material items, the more happiness that can be found. Also, a higher predictor than actual income is one's level of debt (or in this case, lack thereof)
- marriage
The top obstacles:
- A lack of face-to-face interaction. The article specifically makes reference to the fact that most complain of being stressed out when they are "unplugged"; however, that often prevents one from activities that produce social opportunities.
- Heavy TV viewing.
- Unhealthy diets
- Long commutes
- Shopping: if done too often, one becomes immune to the "new-stuff buzz," and it can lead to debt.
- Poor sleep habits.
My own reflections:
- Nutty Bars and Snickers make me happy, but only if I work out twice as much to counteract their health detriments.
- I have never felt "happy" after long hours in front of a TV. I foolishly just can't peel myself away sometimes.
- Playing games with people always feels better than watching games alone.
- Every dollar I've spent on trips has been worth it. I don't remember ever regretting not buying something.
- Thank God for my wife.
- Worshiping and service prove themselves worthy of my time over and over again. Why are they the hardest to commit to?
- I believe at times most people, including myself, know exactly what will and won't make them happy, yet they struggle to make choices accordingly anyway because it seems too hard.
- My biggest obstacle to happiness: focusing too much on my own happiness.
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