Looking forward to things makes you happy
Posted on September 18, 2012 | Categories: Life is Fun
If you know me a bit, you probably know that I do not like surprises. I mean, I do like nice gestures and small gifts here and there, but when it comes to big stuff like birthday parties where there’s a lot of planning involved and it’s all for me – it feels weird. But I LOVE to plan parties, including surprise parties for my friends and family. When I was a kid my favorite birthdays were my parents’ for some reason, not even my own.
The thing that got me thinking about surprises, is this article, asking a curious question:
What brings more happiness, anticipation of surprise?
Turns out, that anticipation, in general, is more powerful:
Research shows that people can reap substantial enjoyment from anticipating an upcoming event even if the event itself is not entirely enjoyable
And looking forward to something, even in distant future brings happiness:
If you can’t take the time for a vacation right now, or even a night out with friends, put something on the calendar – even if it’s a month or a year down the road. Then whenever you need a boost of happiness, remind yourself about it.
That’s great news, my friends! So let’s all get some fun activities on our calendars! I have a few things that I’m looking forward to in the upcoming weeks:
- Scala class at General Assembly
- Oktoberfest at Bear mountain
- Concerts at Radio City
- Fancy lunch cruise around Manhattan that my awesome family gave to Sean for his bday (and I get to go too! obviously :))
- Friends’ wedding at Bryant park
- Apple picking and halloween!
What are you excited about this fall?