Actively seek and maintain social connections, especially with people you care about, as research consistently shows that being social is strongly correlated with greater happiness and life satisfaction.
Seek situations where you have control over your environment and decisions, as perceived control is a fundamental driver of satisfaction, productivity, and overall well-being.
Ensure your time off for rest and play aligns with others’ schedules, as shared free time is crucial for social connection and overall well-being, as seen in happier countries like Denmark.
Take breaks regularly, as happiness science clearly shows significant well-being benefits, even if it feels difficult to do so.
If possible, prioritize control over where you work (e.g., working from home) rather than when, as location flexibility allows you to live closer to loved ones, reduce commute time, and reallocate saved time to social activities or exercise, boosting well-being.
If working from home saves you commute time (e.g., 4.5 hours/week), intentionally use those hours for social activities, spending time with family/friends, or exercise to significantly improve your well-being.
Before taking time off, ensure projects are completed and there’s no urgent need for your attention, allowing for genuine relaxation and stress reduction.
Companies should consider implementing coordinated time off for all employees, as it allows for true rest without the temptation to check work and prevents a flooded inbox upon return.
Companies should absorb the costs and uncertainties of scheduling rather than passing them to employees, as happier workers are more productive, leading to better financial outcomes for the company.
Advocate for policies and conversations around predictable work schedules, as unpredictable hours can have a worse impact on mental health than low wages, similar to the focus on minimum wage.
Donate a few dollars to givedirectly.org/happiness to help people in Kabobo, Rwanda, improve their lives by fixing houses, buying livestock, or accessing medical care.