Lottery Happiness
A recent study into what makes lottery millionaires happy has concluded that long soaks in the bath, buying a takeaway, curling up with a good book and enjoying a bar of chocolate are at the top of the best loved treats enjoyed by big Lotto winners. The study, which was conducted by The University of Nottingham, also found that lottery millionaires were more likely to enjoy a night in than take themselves to the theatre or cinema.
Why bother with such a study? Dr Richard Tunny from The University of Nottingham explains: "As Lottery Jackpot winners are on the whole happier than non-winners - 95% claim that they are positive about their life compared to 71% of people in the comparison group - we researched the treats these people rewarded themselves with to see what could influence their mood and whether findings could help increase the nation's happiness to match Lottery jackpot winner levels."
In other words, by looking at what lottery millionaires do to make themselves happy, the study might help the rest of us to increase our happiness by doing the same kind of things. Obviously, if lottery winners made themselves happy only by flying helicopters and buying items from Cartier, we might have some difficulty in adopting similar habits. Fortunately, the research shows us that this isn't the case at all, and that the things lottery millionaires do to get to their happy places - such as enjoying a good book or a bar of chocolate - are the kind of things that almost all of us can afford to do.
Dr Tunney elaborated on why the simple things in life are more valuable than most people realise. "Modern day pressures like lack of time and financial worries take their toll on everyday happiness. As a result, we try to make ourselves feel happier through regular personal rewards and treats. We've all heard the saying 'a little of what you fancy does you good', and treating yourself is the ideal way to keep spirits lifted when you're down in the dumps."
So what's the bottom line for those of us who have yet to win our EuroMillions jackpot or see our Dream Number come up? "Exotic holidays and giving up work may be out of reach for most of us, but even if you don't have a millions to spend there are small lessons we can learn from society's happiest people," Dr Tunney said. "It is about making time to enjoy cost free pleasures regularly such as taking a bath and going for a long walk to enhance quality of life - even if you can afford anything you want."
I couldn't agree more. In fact, I'm off to buy a bar of chocolate right now...
Article Last Updated: 08/11/2007 15:47:27
