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MS Paint Art - June 2009

The One Common Habit of Unhappy People

June 3rd 2009 23:54
Happy habits
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Happiness comes in many forms: sleeping until noon on Saturday, finding a twenty in your pocket, biting into a warm cookie.

But here's something that could put you squarely in the unhappy camp: spending too much time with the tube.


Happy-Time Pastimes
Studies confirm it. In analyzing 30 years worth of data collected from a national social-survey database as well as other previous studies, researchers found that people who considered themselves unhappy tended to watch significantly more TV than those who said they were very happy. Higher-spirited folks, they found, spent more time on other types of hobbies, including mingling with friends and family members, reading newspapers, and attending religious services. Bonus: Hiding the remote could reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, too.

Don't Kill Your TV
Watching a little TV here and there isn't a huge threat to your quality of life, as long as you don’t devote more time and energy to it than to your personal relationships, hobbies, or other interests.

In addition to turning off the tube now and then, try these other mood-boosting maneuvers:
Make friends with happy. Your friends' personal happiness affects yours.
Choose the right comfort foods. .
Grab the mop. Housework can actually improve your mood.





From: Real Age available free online








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29 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by James Rickard

June 4th 2009 00:40


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Hmmmm. There are those unhappy times when the program just goes WHAM! right over your head and you don't remember a thing two hours later.

Comment by Lester Caudill

June 4th 2009 12:04


Round Politics
I think people that watch to much TV is wasting the time God gave them, life is to short to spend in front of the boob tube. Very good article Kathyzzz.

Comment by Wilson Pon

June 4th 2009 17:31


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I got your point here, Katyzzz. You meant that we shouldn't be a "Couch Potato", as it not good, either in physically or mentally!

Comment by katyzzz

June 4th 2009 21:51


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What a lovely lot of comments from the four of you, a bit like my favourite four, I should do an Enid Blyton book featuring you all, you are great adventurers of life, I see, not just stay stillers with fixed eyes.

Comment by Someone

June 4th 2009 22:47


Evil Pleasures
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I don't watch much TV... but I do spend an ungodly amount of time watching movies on my computer... but it's not tv, so that's ok

You know what I think it is? Advertising. TV would be a happy place if it weren't for commercials.

Comment by James Rickard

June 4th 2009 22:59


unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish
Check this out...
I'm as much a fan as the next guy but, I don't know how many times I been asked if I watch a game on TV and replied that I was playing softball, football, fishing or jogging. Watching a game on TV doesn't make you an athlete! Not that I am but at least I won't die on the sofa.

Comment by katyzzz

June 5th 2009 03:45


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Err, Someone, I think I'd not be watching so many movies, are u unhappy?
but I'm glad you called.

And James, your comments are very valuable and bravo!

Comment by katyzzz

June 5th 2009 03:48


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And someone again, I often like the ads more than the programs, incidentally for older people studies have shown that those who have a computer (and use it) suffer less depression than others, but try convincing them, that is no mean feat.

Comment by samaritan

June 5th 2009 05:58


Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
It doesn't suprise me at all that people who watch more TV tend to be unhappier.

Firstly, because watching TV will make you unhappier. Because you're not really doing anything worthwhile.

Secondly, because I think the unhappier you are, the more likely you are to watch TV. I don't watch a lot of TV. But the times when I'm mosted tempted to are when I'm feeling a bit down. I just want to escape - and TV provides that.

Samaritan

Comment by katyzzz

June 5th 2009 15:20


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Interesting comment Samaritan, I think those who watch it find themselves doing less and less and their spirits fall accordingly, of course a little is good, and too much is disastrous.

Comment by katyzzz

June 6th 2009 10:14


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Good one, Michael



Comment by Lilla

June 6th 2009 22:11


From The Home Front
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Hi Katyzzz,

Ooh ((laughs)) you*ll get no argument from me on this one, nothing depresses me more than endless TV watching. . but I do agree that a TV show here and there can actually be good for the soul too. Although because I have an allergy to commericlas, I tend to buy the box sets and watch them sparodically, when the time and mood takes me/us.

However, the new boobtube may well be this damned computer thingy although I think the interactivity negates any of the really bad vibes from permeating the temperal lobes with serious melancholy (well depeding on the worble in progress that is), which can really get me down Interesting observation that whilst my daughters computer has been out of commission lately, she actually spent a whole day cleaning my car, yesterday. So I have to agree with you on the housework being a calmative too, as she gets that from me. Nothing beats that feeling of achievement in conquering the cupboard/corner/room/warbrode /window clean up.

My other one would just curl up and read (which I do a lot of too). .

I have found that there is much truth in the addage that it is very good tonic for the soul to go somewhere each month that you have never been before. It can really stimulate the smilies and for a few years now, I have taken to driving, anywhere ~ let the car choose the destination. I was just saying I wish my GPS had a [random] button! Still, its easy enough to use my compass and just head in any direction until I find something interesting.

Great Post!

Lilla ..

Comment by katyzzz

June 7th 2009 01:48


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Lilla, that's a great comment you have left us and I love your idea of going to places previously unknown, I love that sort of thing, I do do a fair amount of that (on foot- which is a rather tough way to do it) but hey, when did car cleaning fall under 'housework' yet another male plot to get us females doing more and more of their work (little as it usually is).

Peace, I LIKE MEN but then again who ever said that I had any sense.

Love your wonderful input, confession - I'm rather lazy that way.

Comment by samaritan

June 7th 2009 03:11


Fringe Faith
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Hi Lilla,

Your comment brought back some wonderful memories of when me and an old boyfriend used to just go for drives with no destination in mind. The idea was to get completely lost. Because when you were really lost, that's when you'd find something or some place that you would never see otherwise. And I love your idea of a random setting on the GPS.

Much better than television.

Samaritan

Comment by Lilla

June 7th 2009 07:30


From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Thank you both . .

Katyzzz I just noticed that crazzzy Sig. Tune and must applaud your creativity . . it is really funny when the topic under discussion is considered carefully.

Bravo!

Samaritan,

Soundz like bliss alright, I ended up at Cooma one day for breakfast that way, back in the 80s in the craziest of little Swiss Chalet styled cafe/take aways. . . it really was priceless. ((laughs)) we have much in common and a real knack for stirring each others memories, it seems. . .


Comment by Someone

June 8th 2009 03:52


Evil Pleasures
Random Musings on Life, Love and Everything
Let's Get Down To Business

I think I'd not be watching so many movies, are u unhappy?

Not at all. I totally enjoy watching movies, so I do it alot. I'm not one of those people that would watch in lieu of social interaction, but that being said I do make time for watching a fair few movies because it's what I enjoy doing.

I often like the ads more than the programs

Well, you either get quality ads or really cr*ppy shows

I do enjoy good ads, but the vast majority of the ones we get here are repeated 20 times an hour and aren't very good.

My other one would just curl up and read (which I do a lot of too)

Speaking of reading, why is reading any different from watching TV? Both are merely methods of escaping from reality.

Don't get me wrong, I love curling up with a good book, but I don't claim it's any better reading than watching tv.

Comment by samaritan

June 8th 2009 04:27


Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Hi Lilla,

I was just thinking the same thing as I posted my last comment. It's amazing how often you say something that brings up old memories for me.


Hi Someone,

I very rarely read to escape. Most of what I read is non-fiction. I read to learn and to think. Not that there's anything wrong with escapism. I do that too. I just prefer to spend my time in other ways.

But I guess it comes down to what's important to you and what you find enjoyable. I personally find reading a lot more enjoyable than watching TV. Also, I can be more selective in what I read. Whereas with TV, you're stuck with what the television channels have decided to show.

But it's an interesting question. Is reading anymore worthwhile than TV? I want to say yes. But I'm finding it hard to come up with any really good reasons why.

Samaritan


Comment by jimmy

June 8th 2009 12:30


cyberperson
i have seen the arguments about television so many times ... and i think that maybe it is the people who are most vocally opposed to it who are afraid of being drawn in because of their addictive natures.
I don't see anything wrong with tv watching even though I don't usually watch much myself. I will go many weeks without watching tv shows but then, because I feel like it, watch it for hours and hours.
i don't really agree with the criticism - unless it is being used to replace normal social interaction. But sometimes I just don't feel like social interaction and, sometimes, complete engrossment in tv is restful.
if I really wanted to be critical - I'd say that spending hours on a website talking to people you probably know only in a very limited aspect of their true character is also anti-social, though you might kid yourself it is deep communication. At a certain time in my childhood I was very solitary and lonesome - I didn't have friends - and because both my parents worked I spent a lot of time in front of the tv. I don't believe this was harmful. It gave me 2 things. it entertained me and stopped me feeling isolated. And it gave me a love of film. it certainly didn't stop me reading or taking an interest in real life.

Comment by katyzzz

June 8th 2009 21:40


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jimmy, what you have said is very interesting, but this was the result of a particular study, others will have their own viewpoint.

It actually starts with people who are unhappy, and correlates that with the amount of TV watched, so for anyone who claims to be happy I guess it is irrelevant.

As an only child with two parents working, I guess you experienced much loneliness, being left on your own and as you say the TV was company.

I don't consider myself either happy or unhappy, but I have periods of both. Those periods are generally short lived but I think if I did watch a lot of TV or even DVDs I'd miss out on a lot that life has to offer.

I guess it's different strokes for different folks. ( Please feel free to correct that comment, I'm not too sure of it really )

I'm happy to see such interest in one harmless little post.

Comment by samaritan

June 8th 2009 22:37


Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Katyzzz - it's interesting the posts that generate a lot of comments sometimes. I guess television is something people often have an opinion about.


Jimmy,

I disagree that people who are vocal against television are the ones who are worried that they'll get drawn in. Some people just don't like TV because they find it boring or a waste of time. Sometimes I'll sit down to try and watch some TV, but within about 10 minutes, I've usually switched it off and reached for a book instead.

However, I think TV is a lot more social than reading. One show I do watch at the moment is Masterchef. Because my boys are watching it and enjoying it. So I'll sit down and watch it with them, so I'm doing something with them and can talk to them about it. Whereas when you're reading, it's a very solitary activity. You don't share it with anyone. And even if you watch TV or a movie alone, you can usually find someone to discuss it with. It's generally harder to do that with books.

But I think the idea of the internet being antisocial is interesting. I think it is, especially if you're choosing to communicate with people on the internet rather than people in real life. However, I don't think it's because we only have limited knowledge of the people. In all reality, a lot of the social interaction we do have is with people where we have very limited knowledge of who they are. I pick up my boys from school, I go to the shops and there's a few people I'll stop and chat to for a few minutes. But I know absolutely nothing about them - beyond their name, what they look like, how they talk and a few minor details. They could be completely different people to what I imagine them to be. But I still think of it as social interaction.

However, I don't think you can really connect to people on the internet. You can like what they write and how they write it. You can learn a lot about people and like what you do know. You can enjoy reading what a person has to say. But you can't really connect. I think you have to talk to someone face to face to do that.

Samaritan

Comment by jimmy

June 8th 2009 22:48


cyberperson
Hi Katyzzz
I am always wary about the conclusions of 'studies'. Information can be, and is, made to fit. It makes obvious sense that people who are unhappy/depressed will spend a lot of time watching tv and that this will, in turn, prevent them from taking steps to shake that unhappiness/depression. But, yes, this doesn't mean that ALL people who watch a lot of tv are unhappy.
I wasn't an only child. I was one of 5 (later 6). My siblings were all off somewhere with their friends. At a particular time in my childhood I was very withdrawn.

Comment by Lilla

June 8th 2009 22:59


From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Samaritan,

so I'm doing something with them and can talk to them about it. Whereas when you're reading, it's a very solitary activity. You don't share it with anyone. And even if you watch TV or a movie alone, you can usually find someone to discuss it with. It's generally harder to do that with books.

. . and now I have to disagree with you on this one. A classic example lies in most people having read classics and sharing that information in a collective consciousness. I think it defines the groups we become. A classic example is the recent modern classic Twilight series of books, which I and my girls have read and which have stimulated some of the deepest, most engrossing together time imaginable, especially about love and life and how they view relationships; giving me ample opportunity to help them understand what they found perplexing without embarassement; as we could use the characters in the books to discuss certain opinions and viewpoints. It has been brilliant. All able to say what they felt was morally wrong about this or that and why they felt that way.

I agree though that watching TV shows with your children (in a simpsons kinda way), is also useful in its ability to promote open conversation and perhaps the only point of difference is in the time it takes, making TV the lazy persons option and perhaps the point?

Theory #1 : the ease of TV promotes a laziness of the mind if watched too much, which eventually erodes self discipline and along with it, the ability to achieve the harmony needed between our thinking and our actions to maintain our happiness?

Perhaps that is what the researchers are always getting at with their analysis, least that*s how I understand it? Which means the argument again simply becomes one of moderation.

Lilla . .

PS Indeed and I truly look forward to catching up with you next time i am in the Big Q.

Comment by samaritan

June 8th 2009 23:30


Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Hi Lilla,

(Everyone seems to be disagreeing here. Who would have thought television was a controversial subject?)

Maybe I don't see the sharing of books so much, because the types of books I read are not ones that anyone else is likely to have read. Although you did bring back memories (Again - why is that?) of my childhood, when I used to read the Chalet School books, which my Mum had read as a girl, and read again as an adult and passed on to me (and my sister, though she wasn't interested.) And even now my Mum and I can say or do something and we'll say that's just like so and so from the Chalet School. So I do understand what you're saying.

I just think it's more likely with television shows to be able to discuss them. A lot of times, I'll be with a group of friends who are all discussing some TV show and I'll just be silent, because I've never seen it. (And they're usually the times when I try to watch TV and fail - just so I can join in the discussion.)

And I am really looking forward to meeting you too, Lilla. I am beginning to wonder whether it's going to be like a trip down memory lane - despite the fact I've never met you before.

Samaritan

Comment by jimmy

June 9th 2009 00:40


cyberperson
Hi Samaritan,
My real point about not having much informaion about people we communicate with online is that we can't really know if they are as they present themselves. When you meet someone face to face, even though you may not have much interaction, you can tell a lot about that person by their expression/demeanour/voice,et c.
As for a being against tv because it is boring or a waste of time: That is a personal opinion. But why should that cause someone to wholeheartedly oppose it? The few people I have known who were vociferously against tv watching were quite anal (can i say that?) in their attitude towards their life structure. Rules, rules and more bloody rules. Not that I am advocating lots of tv watching as a good thing. I don't think it is.
Teresa

Comment by samaritan

June 9th 2009 12:33


Fringe Faith
Samaritan's Stories
Hi Teresa,

That's very true that you can tell more about a person when you meet them face to face. Body language and all those extra things (that don't make it across into the written word) do say a lot about a person.

I'm sure most people have had at least one occasion when they've met someone and thought there's something I don't like about that person. But it's hard to put your finger on exactly what it is you don't like. It's not in their words. It's just that feeling you get. I think it's a lot harder to get that feeling about people through the internet. That said, I think you can still get some kind of idea about people, even online. Although, going on from what you said, it is easier for people to present themselves as the way they want to be seen, rather than as they really are, on the internet.

I think I'm about to start going around in circles, so I'll stop there.

Samaritan

Comment by Suzanne 1

September 18th 2009 00:22


My Thoughts and Ramblings
Good tips thanks for sharing.

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