Today I'm going to look at Robert Waldinger's work. It's the longest ever scientific study of happiness, staring in 1938 and is still running today (Waldinger is the 4th and current director of the study!)
This video is short enough (12 minutes) and describes the studies work.
I think we all know that fame and money isn't where it's all at, but this study uses a longitudinal scientific study to confirm what we used to know but are somehow losing that grounded knowledge - that what matters to us, to our health, to our cognition, to our own measure of our happiness, is the quality of our relationships.
I always say that I am a herd animal. It's not about being extravert or introvert, but an acknowledgement that people and my relationships to them are inherently important to me.
I often write about friendship but I think I need to focus on loneliness a bit more. To be in a high conflict primary relationship - either at home or at work, takes a long term toll on your health and cognition.
Spending time on quality relationships or time making close relationships better, helps you feel good, both in the present and in the long term. They are definitely worth investing in and pay off better than fame or extreme wealth!
No comments:
Post a Comment