Recession or No Recession, Come On, Get Happy!

Could the onset of the recession actually make people happier? In fact, it could—if only because it can remind people of what’s really important in life. And truth be told, buying stuff doesn’t make folks happy in the long run.

Some choice tidbits from a USA Today story on what makes people happy, recession or no recession:

Though money helps people lead more comfortable lives, it doesn’t necessarily contribute to the moments in life that bring happiness — which tend to come from social interactions and activities, not from accumulating material goods…

Simplicity is a silver lining to the downturn…

Some research suggests focusing on gratitude can increase happiness…

Psychologists also have found that being highly materialistic affects happiness, with those who are most concerned about money and possessions actually being less happy…

Keeping too close tabs on the economy, such as daily monitoring of economic indicators that have been on a roller-coaster ride since the recession began, also hinders happiness…

Eating out or buying theater tickets was money better spent than on more things, such as a new tech toy or clothing, and the experiential purchase provided greater happiness for themselves and others, regardless of the amount they paid or their income…

The researchers suggest that’s because experiences can provide happy memories, which don’t wear away as fast as the rush of buying a new possession.

Done Deal: CBS Gives Green Light to Sitcom Based on Groupon

Daily deal giant Groupon is known for its peculiar sense of humor. There was the time the site “bought” April Fool’s Day. The introduction of marketing gimmicks like the creepy virtual discount wheel called “Clicky” can only be attributed to some offbeat sense of what’s amusing. And of course, from the beginning, subscribers have been reading Groupon’s trademark absurdist, careful-not-to-offend descriptions for deals arriving in their in-boxes. The fact that there’s a network sitcom in the works featuring Groupon is apparently no joke, however.

You’ll Be Able to Buy ‘Waterproof Sunblock’ This Summer, Even Though There’s No Such Thing

Last summer, the FDA announced new regulations affecting how sunscreens are marketed. Accordingly, sunscreen labels will no longer be allowed to feature the words “waterproof,” “sweatproof,” and “sunblock”—because no sunscreen is truly waterproof or sweatproof, and no lotion completely blocks the sun’s harmful rays. Originally, the changes were set to take effect this June. Now, though, it’s OK for stores to sell products making these dubious claims on through the hot months ahead.

http://3scocktails.com/2009/08/13/recession-or-no-recession-come-on-get-happy-the-cheapskate-blog-time-com/ Recession or No Recession, Come On, Get Happy! – The Cheapskate Blog – TIME.com « Triple S Cocktails

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It definately makes you turn inward and look at the more simple things in life: family, personal happiness, relationships, etc.

These are the basic building blocks of life and we tend to get caught up in the day-in and day-out routine and forget about them until crisis comes…

–
E.
Newsmuncher.com
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