The disastrous events in the world of international banking and finance over the last week have caused feelings of insecurity and fear. Institutions thought to be safe have crumbled and we have all had reason to think of how to make sure what we own is safe.
Studies show that despite rises in standards of living in the last generation, we are not necessarily any happier and more media time has been devoted to the concept of happiness over recent weeks with a good example by BBC political reporter, Brian Wheeler who suggests that now might a be a good time for our politicians to focus on our general well being.
There are many things that we think will make us happier and most of these will cost money and more importantly require us to take on debt to buy them. Debt is something we are told is almost unavoidable once we become adults, from the point we go to university to our first car or that expensive long haul holiday. A quick phone call and the quote of a 16 digit number on a plastic card and we have that new opportunity to improve our mood.
What if we tried to think differently about what makes us happy? What are the simple changes we can make to recognise where we are already happy and also where we can do things that are within our grasp and do not require us to build our mountain of debt. Research by Nattavudh Powdthavee suggests that our communities and friendships can be measured financially and contribute hugely towards our mood and confidence. Going from seeing friends and relatives once or twice a week to seeing them more often can be worth an additional £15,500 per annum. Dr Powdthavee points out that this impact on mood suggests the need for government policies to encourage greater social interaction. The modern drive to work longer hours and to travel further to do so is contrary to the assertion that we need only make more time to spend with loved ones or to make new quality relationships to increase our fulfillment in life.
As we know, work life balance is not easy to achieve, however, small changes in what we do during our week such as making time for a coffee with a friend, or watching a film on T.V. with a loved one can contribute in a gradual way to shifting mood and demonstrating the way to keep improving our happiness.
