There is an ongoing debate on whether or not pleasure is the same as happiness. Most say that it is not. People argue that happiness is a long-term affair while pleasure is a fleeting experience. Because of the belief that pleasure doesn’t last, it is not considered to be a true form of happiness. Pleasure is seen as something momentary and indulgent and not conducive to helping people become “better individuals.” Hence, the happiness one feels when going on a rollercoaster, for example, is seen as less valuable than the happiness one feels when engaging in community service because it is believed that going on a roller-coaster ride does not make you a better person. The problem lies in the assumption that momentary or fleeting feelings of pleasure are not meaningful or … Read entire article »

Researchers have determined that pleasurable activities account for 40% of our happiness. An increase in pleasurable activities will result in an increase in happiness. Consequently, the benefits derived from happiness are the same as those for pleasure. Following is a shortened version of the benefits we get from being happy. Read the book for many more… Physical Strong immune system Longer life Cognitive Good memory Clearer thinking and focus Emotional Self control and mastery Self-esteem and self-regard Social Rich social interactions Self-confidence Global Pro-social and charitable behavior Regard and respect for the world Work Enjoyment satisfaction in work Promotions/better evaluations … Read entire article »

Check out the post I wrote for lifeoptimizer:  HOW TO SURVIVE A RECESSION … Read entire article »

Psychology Today reports on a German study which found that tango dancers had lower levels of stress hormornes, higher levels of testosterone, and felt sexier and more relazed.  Similarly a study at the University of New England found that participants engaging in tango had significant lower levels of depression than a control group who took no classes.  Not big news to you who dance regularly, but an encouragement to those who do not! Psychology Today Article   … Read entire article »

This year has been really really rough for me.  I’ve had to come up with endless ways to keep my mood up.  When I’m feeling especially discouraged, I reach for my special playlist.  It contains pump-me-up music that will make any doubt and sense of defeat into an unnerving drive not to give up.  I know that to do what I want to do things will be difficult and I will want to quite time and time again.  The playlist has been life changing.  If you don’t have one, I would urge you to create one. … Read entire article »

The big thing right now is to sell all your stuff, pack some gear, and travel around the world.  The idea is a great one because it motivates those who work hard to reevaluate their lives and to simplify.  However, most of the people who advocate for this kind of lifestyle design are young men.  What about those of us who can’t just pack and leave?  Are we not entitled to a new lifestyle?  I think we are.  I am a mother who has redesigned her life. The idea behind lifestyle design or changing your life is to make life more pleasurable or to create time to do other things besides work.  You don’t have to sell all your stuff and move to the Caribbean to have pleasure.  Actually for some … Read entire article »

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