Posts filed under ‘Swellbeing’
“Last”-ing satisfaction
Tend to save the best for last? The last is often perceived by us as the one we like best, anyhow, says new research published in Psychological Science.
It seems that endings or last experiences affect is in certain ways, and one way is with positive feelings. That last dance, or that last kiss goodbye, or that last macaron you just ate, for example. In fact, even just telling someone this is the last of an item or experience, we may like it more. (Hmm, this would certainly seem to be the mentality at a frenzied sample sale!).
(The best macaron I’ve ever had in Toronto btw is not the last one I had at this particular party (I confess, I probably ate at least four or five macarons — yes, I can be piglet at times), but the salted caramel macaron from La Bamboche that I’d tasted first blew me away. However, now I’m determined to try the ones from Pierre Hermes in Paris after hearing Janine from BeautyGeeks wax poetic about them this week.)
Literally think outside the box
Next time you’re experiencing a creative block, literally think outside of the box — ie. get out of your office or cubicle.
Or, literally, consider things on the one hand, and then on the other hand (by physically motioning with one hand, and then the other).
A study conducted at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business put these common metaphors to the test literally (another one was “putting two and two together”) and found that acting them out does indeed help us think more creatively, by assisting in triggering cognitive processes that allow us to come up with more creative solutions or ideas.
(And I literally can’t use the word “literally” without thinking of Rob Lowe on Parks & Rec. And OK, sure, maybe I just wanted an excuse to post Rob Lowe).
Tell yourself you’ll treat yo’ self — sometime later
You’ve sworn off candy, or carbs or coffee (whatever the forbidden item may be).
Just tell yourself you’ll have some “later”, time TBD — and you’ll be less likely to binge on it. Being vague about when you’ll have some makes it less likely you’ll overindulge than if you were to say to yourself “I’ll have some with my lunch,” according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology.
Except, of course, on Treat Yo Self day, then indulge all you like, whenever you like :)
The happiest kind of shopping
Extraverts and those open to trying new things are more likely to spend their money on experiences (such a vacation or going to show) than on material items, and gain more long-term benefits and greater satisfaction with life, says new research in the Journal of Positive Psychology.
My problem? Shopping lots for both material items and experiences such as trips and concerts — but I’m pretty sure, in my very unscientific assessment, that just makes me doubly happy, wouldn’t you agree?
(Image: House of Harlow totem pole necklace available at Revolve Clothing, which indeed would make me even happier :)
