This morning, I watched a great interview with Nicholas Epley (author of “Mindwise” and Professor of Behavioral Science at the University of Chicago).
The interview was about the role of human connection on happiness, and the lengths people go to in order to avoid social interaction sometimes even though research shows that such connections make both parties much happier.
He discussed an interesting study.
People’s happiness levels were measured after increasing their income 4x (400%!) and measured people’s happiness levels when they felt “lonely yesterday.”
The feeling of loneliness had a 7x impact (negatively) in happiness levels compared to an income increase of 400%!
That is remarkable!
Loneliness DRASTICALLY affects our happiness levels.
And yet in many instances, we choose to be lonely. On the bus, the train at D.I.A., on planes, in the checkout line at the supermarket, etc, we choose to keep to ourselves rather than connect with those around us. Some studies show this is because we feel we don’t want to “bother them,” but the research shows in almost all instances, engaging in light conversation/connection benefits the happiness of both parties.
We are more “connected” than ever before by virtue of social media, but we are also more lonely than ever before. Especially during these crazy times, it is even more imperative to reach out to others.
We are all lonely at times.
Work to change that today.
You will make others, AND YOURSELF, much happier in the process.
Happy Tuesday!
-Dr. Lindeman
Dissemination of Inspiration 