New research published in PNAS Nexus has examined how the way people spend their time during a typical day is connected to having a truly great day.
The findings suggest that some activities bring more happiness than others, while the benefits of certain habits quickly level off, according to Real Simple.
Time with family
Researchers found that spending time with family was the single most important factor in having a good day.
On their best days, participants spent more than six hours with their closest family members, compared with around four hours on an average day.
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Family time can be combined
Time with family does not have to consist solely of dedicated quality time.
It can also include shared meals or other activities done together.
One hour with friends
Spending time with friends also improved the day, with the greatest positive effect reached after about one hour.
More time with friends adds little extra
After around two hours of socializing, the likelihood of having a great day did not increase significantly, although spending additional time with friends had no negative effect either.
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Exercise boosts the day
Sports and physical activity increased the likelihood of having a good day.
The positive effect continued to grow until participants reached about five hours of activity.
The benefit levels off
Once the total time spent on sports and exercise reached five hours, researchers found no further improvement in how participants rated their day.
Screen time can have a negative effect
Researchers were surprised to find that relaxation was actually linked to a lower likelihood of having a good day.
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They suggested this was because much of that leisure time was spent watching television or movies.
Work does not have to ruin the day
The study found that work itself was not what made a day worse.
Working up to six hours showed no clear negative impact.
Long workdays affect the experience
When the workday exceeded six hours, participants became less likely to rate their day as truly good.
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Commuting lowers satisfaction
Commuting was associated with having a worse day.
According to the research, traveling to and from work made people less likely to describe their day as a good one.
Time for meals and dining out helps
Spending more time eating and drinking, or dining out, was associated with a better day.
Household chores do not improve the day
Researchers found no evidence that household chores increased the likelihood of having a good day.
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They recommended limiting indoor and outdoor chores to no more than 45 minutes.
Time alone with a partner
According to the study, spending time alone with a spouse had no significant impact on whether participants considered their day to be a good one.
Time with a partner and others produced better results
When time with a spouse also included other people, such as children or friends, participants were more likely to report having a happier day.
This article is made and published by Ida-Marie Palm Varbæk, who may have used AI in the preparation.