Although they say that money can't buy happiness, psychologists are sure that you can buy it anyway. But you need to spend it correctly: there are so-called strategic expenses that can be called a contribution to a long-term feeling of happiness, informs Ukr.Media.
Business coach and happiness expert Jessica Weiss names at least five things that make sense to invest in — in the name of happiness.
Concerts
There’s something magical about singing at a concert with your favorite artist and a crowd of strangers. Singing like this releases oxytocin and endorphins, lowers cortisol levels, and creates a sense of togetherness that lasts for days. And if you watch the concert from time to time, you’ll get another surge of endorphins—your brain will remember the feeling you had at the concert.
Spending to save time
Delivery, cleaning, minor repairs – these expenses reduce stress more effectively than material ones. You outsource those tasks that you don't want to do to the point of disgust, you are too tired to do them. And this is brilliant. After all, you can spend the freed time with pleasure – and why do you need a life where there are no pleasures, only duties?
New experiences
Our brains are machines that crave novelty. Neuroscientists say that new experiences trigger our brains to produce dopamine and create special forms of memory: they make an exciting vacation last days and weeks, and a week full of boring routines fly by.
Generosity
When you spend money to make others happy, it activates the reward system, and it works more effectively than if you spent time on yourself. Scientists call this the “euphoria of helping” – when you donate money to an animal shelter, treat a friend, etc.
Small joys and difficult trials
Small pleasures are delicious coffee twice a week. It will work much better than, for example, a new bag once every six months.
And difficult challenges are a cold shower, a difficult workout, a run. Overcoming one's own inertia is an earned pleasure, such actions trigger achievement patterns in the brain that bring a lasting sense of happiness based on pride in oneself.
