Go outside – happiness is maximized at 57°F


We humans should spend more time outdoors than indoors. A UK study from the University of Sussex found that being outdoors makes people happier:
'Being outdoors, near the sea, on a warm, sunny weekend afternoon is the perfect spot for most. In fact, participants were found to be substantially happier outdoors in all natural environments than they were in urban environments.'

 In the book about happiness, The Happiness Advantage, Shawn Achor notes that 
" one study found that spending 20 minutes outside in good weather not only boosted positive mood, but broadened thinking and improved working memory…"
Twenty minutes is a doable amount - this is possible for us. 

The American Meteorological Society published research in 2011 that  found that happiness is maximized at 57°F (13.9°C), so keep an eye on the weather forecast before heading outside for your 20 minutes of fresh air. 









Comments

  1. Terra March 20, 2015 at 10:11 PM

    I agree that being outdoors is a happiness boost, especially with a temperature in the 60s or 70s, or even 57 as you mention.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenMarch 25, 2015 at 9:51 AM

      Terra - we were designed to spend a lot of time outdoors...right?

      Delete
  2. AnonymousMarch 23, 2015 at 5:24 AM

    Beautiful blog u have sheared in your article.Thanks

    Patios Suffolk & Patios Norwich

    ReplyDelete
  3. Lee@A Guide to Northeastern GardeningMarch 23, 2015 at 6:22 PM

    It's still in the 30's and 40's here but warmer weather is in the forecast for next week..can't wait!!! Sunshine and being outside is definitely good for the mind.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenMarch 25, 2015 at 9:51 AM

      Me too! the longest winter in the NE ever...at least that is how it feels.

      Delete
  4. UnknownMarch 30, 2015 at 7:43 AM

    Nice post, I couldn't agree more. I see it happen to people every year, they are like different people in the warmer months. It is now days from April and still snowing! Uggggh!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Kevin HakneyJune 11, 2015 at 3:11 AM

    Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on this topic. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him. So I should thank you for the free lunch I got.

    Palm Tree Trimming & Stump Grinding Services

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan JohnsenJune 14, 2015 at 7:50 AM

      Thanks Kevin! I am so glad that you got a free lunch...I guess your happiness was maximized from reading that blog post.

      Delete

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