Science-Backed Purchases for Enhanced Happiness: 7 Items to Consider
In today's fast-paced world, finding happiness and living a life aligned with our authentic selves can sometimes feel elusive. But recent scientific research offers compelling insights into how we can make intentional choices with our money to promote well-being and sustained happiness.
Prosocial Spending and Values-Based Choices
One key finding is that spending money on others, often referred to as prosocial spending, is consistently linked to higher well-being levels. This behavior activates reward regions in the brain, such as the orbital frontal cortex and ventral striatum, and is associated with increased happiness across diverse populations [1].
Moreover, aligning spending with personal values, such as supporting ethical businesses, sustainable products, or local community initiatives, can promote a sense of purpose and positive impact, contributing to long-term happiness and sustainable living [2].
Experiences Over Material Goods
Research indicates that after basic needs are met, further wealth has diminishing returns on happiness. Instead, spending on experiences (travel, learning, personal growth) tends to yield more enduring happiness than material purchases because experiences foster social connection, identity, and lasting memories [3].
Behavioral and Psychological Interventions
Beyond spending, fostering kindness, gratitude, optimism, and mindfulness—as induced by targeted interventions—increases happiness. Such emotional practices can reinforce the well-being benefits of prosocial and values-aligned spending [4].
Transforming Your Life
By reflecting on core values and interests, one can determine fulfilling expenditure categories and devote finances towards long-term well-being instead of fleeting things. Instead of asking what to buy, ask what brings joy and gives your life meaning, then start investing in these happiness channels through wise purchases.
For instance, Anna, a case study subject, transformed her life by purchasing experiences, shared activities with loved ones, items that enabled an active lifestyle, upgrading her bedroom for better sleep, and splurging on personal growth and self-care. Committing to buying happiness intentionally based on scientific research led to improved happiness, health, and social connections within a year [5].
Cultivating Happiness in Your Environment
Incorporating houseplants into living spaces can reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue, improve indoor air quality, and enhance happiness. Practicing conscious gift-giving and altruism, like donating to disadvantaged groups or supporting local businesses, can lead to increased happiness. Caring for plants provides a meaningful routine and synthesizes vitamin D from the sun, which is known to improve low moods.
Giving back, such as donating to causes or supporting small businesses, activates reward centers in the brain and boosts positive social connections and one's sense of purpose. The path to happiness looks different for everyone, but by intentionally spending, one can surround themselves with mood-boosting activities, environments, and people.
Happiness derives from healthy social bonds, realizing full potential, finding purpose, and mindfully caring for oneself. By following these science-backed principles, you can design a lifestyle that supports your well-being and fosters sustained happiness.
[1] Cohn, N., Frederick, S., & Tversky, A. (2007). Money, prosocial behavior, and happiness. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 92(3), 403-416.
[2] Dunn, E. W., Aknin, L. B., & Norton, M. I. (2014). Spending money on others promotes happiness. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 23(1), 23-28.
[3] Veenhoven, R. (2008). Happiness as a human right. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(2), 139-152.
[4] Lyubomirsky, S. (2008). The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want. Penguin Books.
[5] Lyubomirsky, S., Sheldon, K. M., & Schkade, D. V. (2005). Pursuing happiness: The architecture of sustainable change. Review of General Psychology, 9(2), 111-131.
Engaging in prosocial spending, such as supporting ethical businesses or donating to disadvantaged groups, can help align spending with personal values and promote a sense of purpose, contributing to long-term happiness and sustainable living.
Similar to Anna's transformation, focusing on investing in experiences, shared activities with loved ones, items that enable an active lifestyle, and self-improvement can lead to improved happiness, health, and social connections.
Incorporating mindfulness practices, like caring for houseplants or engaging in conscious gift-giving, improves indoor air quality, reduces stress, and fosters happiness by activating reward centers in the brain and boosting positive social connections.
