The researchers with Match.com used the aggregate data of users of the app to understand what aspects of their lifestyle made them happy. In other words, they looked at the correlation between habits and personal contentment. They found eight different things that seemed to make people happier than their peers. Here’s what they discovered:
- The happiest places to live are Miami, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
- The hobbies that bring people the most joy are cooking, sports, and drinking with friends.
- Going out with friends makes people enjoy life more than those who don’t.
- Eating fast food decreases happiness.
- People who follow their ex on Facebook are less happy than those who move on.
- Dating someone with different political beliefs than you brings more enjoyment than dating someone with the same beliefs.
- Don’t have sex with your date on the first date. Waiting to get to know the individual is more enjoyable.
- Skip the one-night stands, but enjoy lots of sex. For men and women both, one-night stands actually decrease overall enjoyment with life.
Using the Data to Bring Happiness Into Your Life
If you are trying to figure out how to get more out of your free time, you can take what Match.com learned and apply it. Maybe you can’t move to Miami or San Antonio, but you can find ways to enjoy your own city. One thing that each of those cities have in common is their arts and entertainment districts. All of the cities where people are happier have fantastic museums and restaurants and things to do. Take advantage of what’s going on in your own town and enjoy the tourist attractions and cultural events to add happiness.
Fast food has a place when you need dinner in a hurry. The key is not to become dependent on fast food, because it does reduce your enjoyment of meals. Take some time each week to plan a menu and shop for what you need. Mom was right, you need to eat healthy. It’s good for your physical health, but it’s also good for your mental health. Take a class to learn how to cook something you’ve never tried. It gets you out among people, which is also good for your happiness.
Match.com is geared for dating, which is why its data focuses on a more intimate relationship. However, you can take the information and use it within your friendships. Many people think that they’d be happier with people who share the same beliefs, and we do need people in our lives who support what we think. On the other hand, those who don’t share your beliefs challenge you to think about all the implications. You don’t have to change your attitude, but you can grow when you consider more than just one thought.
The researchers observed that people who stalked their ex were less happy. Focusing on what others are doing takes away from your own contentment. Remember that the data was resourced from those who were looking for a relationship. If you’re in a relationship, are you being eaten up by jealousy over a sibling who is more successful? It’s no secret that resentment can keep you from enjoying where you are at.
Get Help When You Need It
Everyone has periods in their lives when they can’t find happiness and contentment. It’s unreasonable to expect every day to be peaches and ice cream. When this feeling drags on too long and you can’t find enjoyment, it’s time to seek outside help. Depression is nothing to be ashamed about, and it could be a medical condition that is keeping you from being happy. It is difficult to take that first step forward, but you can do it.