What Makes You Happy?

While some folks think a raise can make them happy at work, that might not be the case... You see, research shows money isn't what makes people happiest.

"A bar of chocolate, a long soak in the bath, a snooze in the middle of the afternoon, a leisurely stroll in the park" are the kinds of things that make us the most happy, according to research from The University of Nottingham.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t flashy cars or diamond jewelery that jacked up jackpot winners’ contentment. But rather, reading a book, listening to music or enjoying a bottle of wine bestowed true pleasure. At the end of a work day, it's taking pleasure in the labor of your hands or people you've helped or influenced in positive ways forward.

On the other hand, "modern-day pressures take their toll on everyday happiness," according to Richard Tunney, who led this research. "As a result we try to make ourselves feel better and happier through personal rewards and treats. We’ve all heard the saying ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’, and treating yourself is the ideal way to keep spirits lifted when you’re down in the dumps."

So what do you do, if change isn't on the horizon?

Giving money away can buy happiness

It's possible to buy happiness after all: when you spend money on others, say researchers at the University of British Columbia and the Harvard Business School.

Oprah set the pace when she built schools in South Africa...

Brooke Astor, a member of New York high society died at 105. But what a mark she left on the people of New York City... When she inherited a fortune, she determined to make a difference by alleviating human misery. In the process she gave away nearly $200 million.

A few people find pleasure through compassion and empathy for others. In some ways it's related to the brain. The medial section of the brain's prefrontal cortex has been associated with empathy and regulation of negative emotion. Researchers are learning more...

Have you tried giving money away or volunteering time for others?

Is Happiness Having What You Want, Wanting What You Have, Or Both?

"People can grow accustomed to their possessions and thereby derive less happiness from them, researchers Jeff Larsen and Amie McKibban find.

On the other hand, they also suggest that people can continue to want the things they have and that those who do so can achieve greater happiness.

Hmmm... What happens when I see an an ad for a digital camera with more megapixils and greater zoom lens? I'm very tempted to get a new one! Hold on...

“Simply having a bunch of things is not the key to happiness,” Larsen claims. “Our data show that you also need to appreciate those things you have. It’s also important to keep your desire for things you don’t own in check.” To cut down my desire for a new camera, then, I would do well to concentrate on the fact that I'm taking the best pictures ever! What do you do to tame your desire for bigger and better?

Money - have you achieved freedom from being driven by it? Thoughts...