Meaningful Activities That Make Us Happiest
Nathan Yau analyzed and prepared the interactive data below, which are derived from the well-being module of the American Time Use Survey. He downloaded the data from IPUMS and used all available years: 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2021.
Interactive: Activities and Happiness
Explore what activities give us the most meaning and happiness by clicking the image below.
Dr. Ashley Whillans is a social psychologist and researcher at Harvard who has extensively studied the factors that contribute to happiness. Her research suggests several key factors can increase our overall sense of well-being and life satisfaction. Here are some of her key findings:
Time
Dr. Whillans' research has shown that having more free time can increase happiness. Specifically, having more control over how we spend our time and using it in meaningful, fulfilling ways can lead to greater happiness and life satisfaction.
Keep this in mind when you consider how much leisure time you and your partner have. A goal in your relationship is to strive toward equal leisure time.
Social connections
Building and maintaining strong social connections with others is an important contributor to happiness. This includes spending time with friends and family and engaging in acts of kindness and generosity towards others.
Gratitude
Expressing gratitude for the good things in our lives and cultivating a mindset of appreciation and thankfulness can boost happiness and well-being.
Money
While having enough money to meet our basic needs matters, Dr. Whillans' research shows that additional income does not lead to greater happiness beyond a certain point. Instead, investing in experiences and social connections tends to have a greater impact on happiness.
Giving back
Acts of kindness and generosity toward others can boost happiness and well-being. This includes volunteering, donating to charity, and other forms of giving.
You can listen to her thoughts on the Modern Husbands podcast below or by clicking here to listen to the audio version.
Follow Modern Husbands
Winning ideas from experts to manage money and the home as a team. 2023 Plutus Award Finalist: Best Couples or Family Content
🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Apple.
🔔 Click here to listen and subscribe to the Modern Husbands Podcast on Spotify.
Winning ideas to manage money and the home as a team, delivered to your inbox.
Original Post: 3/5/24
Updated Post: 9/8/26
