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9 Surprising Ways to Buy Happiness, According to Harvard Experts

October 6, 2023 · Expert Tips
buy happiness
Photo by ivan_kislitsin from Shutterstock

1. Buy time

How would the world be if we were able to buy more time? This is possible. According to recent research, individuals tend to feel better when they spend money on time-saving services like home cleaners, gardening, takeout delivery, and groceries.

The study’s findings are as follows: We discovered that people who used money to purchase time reported being almost one whole point above on a 10-point ladder, compared to individuals who did not use money to buy time.

Would be nice to have somebody to help you out with day-to-day chores, right? After all, everybody deserves a bit of time off and relaxation at the end of a full day. Allow yourself to indulge with a sweet treat or a takeout dinner.

2. Spend on experiences

If you want to buy happiness you must invest and spend on investments. Simply put, experiencing anything new—like going to a concert with your favorite band, vacation, hiking, or nearly any other activity—will make you feel better than getting a new pair of shoes, that sweater that’s been on discount, or a bike.

One of the earliest studies done on the subject was on a group of individuals who were given money to visit places they had always wanted to visit but had never had the means to do so. When they returned, they were happier, less anxious, and more lively than before.

Indeed, a lot of people can’t afford to travel to expensive destinations, but to “buy happiness,” you can also make short trips to places you’ve never been before, even for two or three days, to unwind and disconnect from day-to-day life.

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