Clements in the WSJ today talks about midlife angst and how research shows that our happiness level through our lives follows a U-shape, with folks becoming increasingly dissatisfied as they approach their 40s and then bouncing back from there.
A few other interesting points. One is "hedonic adaptation." If you get a raise at work, you will be temporarily more happy, but eventually you adapt to the change and go back to your prior happiness level. However, on the up side, if something bad happens, like ill health or a divorce, most people generally adapt and their happiness levels return to earlier levels.
To boost happiness, research suggests "counting your blessings." This can counteract the tendency to adapt and take for granted the good things in life. Additionally, Clements says research suggests that you will likely be happier if you make a point of trying activities that are enriching or challenging. Finally, cultivate friendships as friends are one of the biggest contributors to happiness.
This makes me think about my father, who suffered ill health for much of his life, getting TB back in the 1920s and spending his teenage years in the sanitarium. His wife, my mother, died in her 30s and he was left to raise four children. Nevertheless, he was one of the happiest and most at peace people I have ever known. He never took a thing for granted and was always thankful for everything he had. FI? Never happened.
Martha, who has suffered a bit of angst of late.
A few other interesting points. One is "hedonic adaptation." If you get a raise at work, you will be temporarily more happy, but eventually you adapt to the change and go back to your prior happiness level. However, on the up side, if something bad happens, like ill health or a divorce, most people generally adapt and their happiness levels return to earlier levels.
To boost happiness, research suggests "counting your blessings." This can counteract the tendency to adapt and take for granted the good things in life. Additionally, Clements says research suggests that you will likely be happier if you make a point of trying activities that are enriching or challenging. Finally, cultivate friendships as friends are one of the biggest contributors to happiness.
This makes me think about my father, who suffered ill health for much of his life, getting TB back in the 1920s and spending his teenage years in the sanitarium. His wife, my mother, died in her 30s and he was left to raise four children. Nevertheless, he was one of the happiest and most at peace people I have ever known. He never took a thing for granted and was always thankful for everything he had. FI? Never happened.
Martha, who has suffered a bit of angst of late.
