This Just In: Happiness Doesn't Even Buy Happiness
You can't go a day without someone pitching you a "hack" for happiness: Self-help gurus . . . social media "influencers" . . . and even friends.
There's a reason for that: Happiness sells. But according to new research, "happiness" doesn't even buy happiness.
The idea is: Trying too hard for maximum happiness might be making us miserable. It drains our mental energy . . . leaving us with less willpower for other important tasks and decisions. And it adds pressure.
That creates a snowball effect. You decide to try making yourself feel happier . . . but then that effort depletes your ability to do the kinds of things that actually make you feel good, like being active, productive, and solving problems.
The researchers say you shouldn't give up on the pursuit . . . but CHILL OUT about it, and don't stress about being super happy ALL the time. "Look at what you already have, and just accept it as something that gives you happiness."
(StudyFinds.org has a breakdown of the four experiments in the study.)
Originally posted on March 4th, 2025