The Results Are In: Traveling Makes Us Much Happier Than Material Wealth

Many people spend a considerable amount of time and energy just trying to be happy. We are determined to have extra money in our pockets and when we make a purchase, it may put a smile on our face but that smile is often short-lived. Here is information that may just show you how to be happier with what you have.

One of the main issues that interferes with our ability to be happy is the need to adapt. As soon as we become accustomed to something, the fact that it is no longer new and exciting causes are satisfaction levels to fall. We then go looking for our next purchase, and we end up in a vicious cycle of buying one thing after another.

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Researchers at Cornwall University have found a way to break the cycle and you will be amazed with how it is done. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor, has shown that it is possible to increase happiness when we purchase something that we want but also when we go traveling. The most important part of the equation, however, is the amount of happiness that drops over time with each endeavor. Memories of our traveling lasts for years or perhaps even for the rest of our life, causing our happiness level to rise.

There are many things you can do to increase your happiness and to keep it at a higher level. Go on a vacation, attend unusual events, try extreme sports or even learn new skills. Each of these can be beneficial to us in many ways. Something that we buy may be nice for a while, but it’ll eventually just become a part of our everyday life. Every new memory we create, however, becomes a source of joy that stays with us for a lifetime.

Via: Bright Side

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