Being Happy Despite The Recession

May 22nd, 2009 by Alison · No Comments · health & well being, lifestyle, money, work

We have the power to be happy despite the recession we’re in, regardless of our nation’s economic troubles. Who says? Daniel Gilbert, an expert on happiness, in this article.

Research shows that it is uncertainty and anxiety about the future, not loss of assets per se, is what brings human happiness down the most. So, if we’re biting our nails hoping for the economy and our assets to go back to the way they used to be, that’s a recipe for national unhappiness.

But if we make peace with having a new economy that’s different from the old one, it’s a very different story. If we recraft our expectations into modest ones, we can be as happy as we’ve ever been in the history of our nation. The peak of happiness in the U.S. was in the 1950’s, when people weren’t nearly as wealthy as we are even now, with our assets having tanked.

I don’t just think Mr. Gilbert is right about our ability to be happy in the here and now; I think we should be acting on the information. The Diamond-Cut life (high in joy, low in consumption) is about taking positive action, both for our own sakes and for the sake of future generations.

Here’s a round-up of my advice on vibrant living with scaled-down consumption. I realize that I ought to write a piece specifically about sharing resources, because sharing is such a powerful creator of well-being.

Cutting your electricity bill to half the national average

Tasty, nutritious dinner menu that’s $1.56 per serving

How to save money on gas

Finding and getting along with a roommate; part II here

Ten ways to a simpler, happier life

Building the happy web of community

Having a housemate who works for rent

Carpooling saves me $6,800/year; top ten tips for carpooling