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The Paradox of Happiness: Why Seeking Joy Can Lead to Unhappiness
In a counterintuitive finding that may challenge the self-help industry, new research suggests that the relentless pursuit of happiness can paradoxically contribute to feelings of misery. This phenomenon, termed the “happiness paradox,” indicates that the very act of striving for a better mood may be detrimental to our overall mental well-being.
The ‘Happiness Paradox’ Explained
Scientists have observed this paradox for over a decade. Now, a recent study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being offers a potential explanation: the constant effort to elevate one’s mood depletes mental resources, thereby diminishing self-control. This depletion can increase vulnerability to poor choices that ultimately worsen our emotional state.
Professor Sam Maglio, a co-author of the study, likens the pursuit of happiness to a “snowball effect.” He elaborates, “You decide to try making yourself feel happier, but then that effort depletes your ability to do the things that make you happier.”
Professor Maglio concludes that mental exhaustion increases susceptibility to temptation and detrimental behaviors, subsequently reinforcing the very unhappiness individuals aim to escape.
Mental Resource Depletion and Temptation
He illustrates this point by comparing it to the experience of returning home after a demanding workday. Feeling mentally fatigued, individuals may neglect responsibilities, such as household chores, in favor of less constructive activities like excessive social media use.
“The core message here is that the pursuit of happiness consumes mental resources,” Professor Maglio, from the University of Toronto Scarborough, stated. “Instead of simply accepting your emotional state, you are actively attempting to alter how you feel.”
The constant drive to enhance one’s mood can be mentally draining and counterproductive, studies indicate.
Efforts to achieve happiness may inadvertently reduce self-control, leading to less desirable choices.
Experimental Evidence
The researchers conducted experiments to support their theory. In one experiment, participants who viewed advertisements featuring the word “happiness” exhibited a greater tendency to engage in unhealthy behaviors. For instance, they consumed more chocolates compared to a control group exposed to neutral prompts.
Another experiment involved assessing participants’ self-control capabilities through a mental task. The group focused on happiness demonstrated reduced persistence, quitting the task sooner. This indicated a depletion of mental resources stemming from their efforts to improve their mood.
Practical Advice: Acceptance Over Chasing Happiness
“Just relax,” advises Professor Maglio. “Avoid striving for constant, extreme happiness. Instead of seeking more of what you desire, appreciate what you already possess and recognize it as a source of contentment.”
Reducing Workplace Stress with Nature: An Associated Finding
Mitigating Workplace Stress with Indoor Plants
Research suggests that alleviating workplace stress can be achieved by incorporating indoor plants into the office environment.
Scientists have discovered that indoor plants contribute to lowered heart rates, reduced blood pressure, and decreased fatigue among workers. Furthermore, employees surrounded by greenery showed fewer indicators of psychological distress.
Researchers from Southeast University in Nanjing, China, assessed the health metrics of 40 participants working in a plant-free office space. They then repeated the assessment with a generous presence of large plants in the workspace.
The findings, published in the journal Work, revealed that average heart rates decreased from approximately 73 beats per minute (BPM) to 67 BPM in the presence of plants. Conversely, heart rates only decreased to 69.5 BPM without greenery.
The study also indicated that women experienced a more significant reduction in psychological stress, while men exhibited a stronger physiological response to plants, evidenced by reduced blood pressure.