We seek happiness, and rue loneliness and sadness. If it was the other way around, we won’t be having the need to flood comedy bars after a gloomy work week.
The bold truth, though, is we can’t be 100% happy. No matter how perfect our lives may seem, there’s always at least one aspect we’re not content with (a balancing agent). And that’s a good thing!
As per The Washington Post, “[…] that the pursuit of happiness can sometimes make you … well, less happy.”
Why is that? “Too much cheerfulness can make you gullible, selfish, less successful – and that’s only the tip of the iceberg,” the renowned website added.
Now we know that it’s important to keep our level happiness in check to the level that we can still be sane.
Whatever your form, level, or source of happiness is, here are ten happiness-related statistics that you should know:
1. Unmarried People are 10% Less Happy than Married Ones
Source: Webpage FX’s infographic
Unmarried people are 10% less happy than married ones
Well, it turns out that the early marriage struggles (e.g., securing a house, independence from parents, financial debacles, etc.) are worth enduring. It has something to do largely with the fact that sharing successes and trials with someone makes it sweeter and more bearable, respectively.
Marry now? No. Marry when you’re pretty convinced that you found the right person for eternity.
2: America Ranks 14th in the Happiest Nations in the Globe
Source: 2017 World Happiness Report
America ranks 14th in the happiest nations in the globe
Wondering why The Land of Promise, which offers the best opportunities of all sorts, is toppled by countries like Norway, Denmark, and Iceland in the world happiness ranking?
It’s because job opportunities and GDP per capita aren’t the only determinants of happiness.
The report also factored in other variables like trust (i.e., gauged by apparent absence of government and business corruption), life expectancy (measured in healthy, productive years), social backing (having someone to rely on in uncertain times), liberty to make life decisions, and the country’s big-heartedness (evidenced by donations).
The U.S.’ extremely diverse population and ideation may have made some of its oppressed citizens unhappy.
Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, and Finland got the five spots – these can be your next vacation destination for a well-rounded happiness trip.
3: 13.9 degree Celsius is the Ideal Temperature for Maximum Happiness
Source: Webpage FX’s infographic
13.9 degree Celsius is the ideal temperature for maximum happiness
Who would’ve thought that room temperature is a determinant of happiness too?
The country closest to 13.9 degree Celsius is Italy, at 13.45. This trivia might further fuel your excitement to see the Colosseum while summer lasts.
4: The ideal Socializing Hours for Maximum Happiness is 6 to 7 Hours
Source: Happify Daily
The ideal socializing hours for maximum happiness is 6 to 7 hours
What? Really? You mean I have to make chitchats for at least a quarter of my day? Well, that’s research suggests to fully combat anxiety and stress.
The good news is that while you can’t commit to that long hours during work days, you can surely do it on weekends, which rejuvenates your spirit when work resumes.
5: The Salary Mark that Provides Substantial Happiness is Around $75,000
Source: Happify Daily’s infographic
The salary mark that provides substantial happiness is around $75,000
Who doesn’t love more Benjamins? While money can’t really buy the instant happiness feeling itself, it makes all of us delighted.
The feeling of confidence and excitement that a huge chunk of money brings closely mimic that of genuine happiness.
6: Having Sex Twice or Thrice a Week is enough to Make our Happiness Level Fly
Source: Happify Daily
Having sex twice or thrice a week is enough to make our happiness level fly
There’s no bad sex. Every round makes all of us feel youthful and robust.
Does yanking everyday bad for your emotions? Not necessarily, but you may also want to get occupied with other stuff too. Striking a balance is a must.
A single sex every other day or three days? Doesn’t sound too bad to me.
7: The Percentage of “Extremely Happy” Full-time Employees who were Provided Free Food by their Employers is 67%
Source: Snack Nation’s infographic
The percentage of “extremely happy” full-time employees who were provided free food by their employers is 67%
It’s a no-brainer: it’s happier to work when you know that you don’t have to shed some bucks for lunch or snacks.
In fact, almost half of job seekers consider food perks as a strong determinant.
If you’re an employer, maybe it’s time to call Yellow Cab every once in a while, if not every day.
8: Joyful Employees Put 12% More Work
Source: Snack Nation’s infographic
Joyful employees put 12% more work
When employees love their jobs and are excited about it, working becomes natural instead of a drag.
Doing what you love and what you’re passionate about brings out the best in you, and makes you want to do more.
9: Your Next Door Neighbors are 34% More Likely to Become Happy if you are
Source: Harvard study by professors Dr. Nicholas Christakis and Dr. James Fowler
Your next door neighbors are 34% more likely to become happy if you are
Is it because of the sound of your laughter that goes through the wall, or because you offered them a Thanksgiving treat? It’s not clearly emphasized.
What’s safe to say is that humans adapt to their environment, intentionally or not. Nevertheless, we’re told to be happy about other’s joys and victories, right?
10: $5,000 Worth of Yearly Salary is what 36% of Employees are Ready to Sacrifice, Just to be Happier at Work.
Source: Snack Nation’s infographic
$5,000 worth of yearly salary is what 36% of employees are ready to sacrifice, just to be happier at work
$5,000 can buy you a lot. You can even start a decent investment with that amount.
But why more than a third of employees are willing to trade it off?
It’s because of camaraderie, team synergy, mutual respect, work appreciation, and job satisfaction – things that drive happiness in the workplace – has no financial equivalent (except opting to switch jobs or employer). If there is, then tons of employers would have enjoyed tremendous cost savings.
Somehow, happiness can be measured and altered with the above-mentioned statistics. But what cannot be quantified? It’s that indescribable feeling that resonates from within when you’re genuinely happy. It’s that kind of happiness that fills our spirits up and one which we truly go after.
Let me leave you with this cliched, but truthful happiness quote from Ralph Marston:
“Happiness is a choice, not a result. Nothing will make you happy until you choose to be happy.”
Wow! Such a great way to explain about happiness. Superb post.
Thanx Aaichi! Keep visiting for much more!
So many reasons behind happiness !!!!! Though i knew about the temperature and the salary…it can be easily realized but were totally unaware about other reasons.
Thanks a lot ofr sharing such an informative post.
Thanx Jyotirmoy for the comment!