There's a Mathematical Formula for a "Truly Joyful Day"
There's good news and bad news: Researchers claim they've figured out the secret to having a GREAT DAY. But . . . it involves math. Kinda.
In a study, researchers analyzed how thousands of people spent their time, across more than 100 activities. They compared that to how the people rated their day, and looked for patterns on days rated "better than usual."
Then, they came up with a "scientific formula." (Technically, it looks something like this: "BDE = FAM6 + FR2 + SOC1.5 + EX2 + EAT1 - WRK6 - TV1 - CMT0.25." Or, in normal terms . . .)
The "Best Day Ever" equals . . .
6 hours with family.
Plus: 2 hours with friends.
Plus: 1.5 hours of extra socializing.
Plus: 2 hours of exercise.
Plus: 1 hour of eating and drinking.
With: Less than 6 hours of work.
Indulging in only 1 hour of screen time.
And no more than a 15-minute commute.
Basically: Be fit, fun, and available . . . with some relaxation and indulgence . . . and somehow avoid working or commuting too much.
Someone tried to do this, and they found out that you don't need to hit EVERY mark to feel better. You just need to make some intentional tweaks:
Cut back on social media and get outside for some light exercise . . . make an effort to hang out with the people you love . . . and "close your laptop when your workday is done, not when your nervous system collapses."
They add, "It's about choosing presence over productivity, and connection over convenience."
(The Telegraph / Yahoo)
Originally posted on April 15th, 2025