Bhutan, touted as the happiest country in the world, developed the Gross National Happiness (GNH) index that seeks to identify factors that bring joy to its people. The index emphasises four pillars: sustainability of development, preservation of culture, conservation of natural environment and good governance.
Based on the four pillars, the GNH follows nine domains of happiness, which centre on everything from physical and mental well-being to quality of living, ecological diversity and education.
From thoughtful laws designed first and foremost with the happiness of its people in mind and free universal health care to encouraging both material and spiritual development, the tiny nation in the eastern Himalayas has consistently ranked at the top regarding happiness.
At the request of Bhutan in 2012, the United Nations named 20 March International Day of Happiness to highlight the importance of a holistic approach to modern development.
Among the nine domains of happiness include time spent, or how much of our days and weeks are devoted to working, personal development, physical well-being and education, among other pursuits.
Here, we look at what research tells us about the golden ratio of work versus play and activities proven to boost our perceived level of happiness.
Finding purpose
Achieving that elusive work-life balance is one of the keys to defining time well spent. Research has found a positive correlation between work-life balance and happiness. However, what defines that balance isn't so clear-cut.
A Journal of Happiness Studies research on employed and unemployed individuals found that work is perceived as the most dreaded part of the day among the employed; those who spend fewer hours working and instead use that time towards other personal pursuits tend to be happier.
But that's not to say work makes people unhappy- the challenge and a sense of purpose that work brings are positively linked to mental well-being. Those who don't work report a more steady level of well-being throughout the day. However, the report quickly notes, "In line with previous studies on cognitive well-being, we find that the unemployed report substantially lower levels of life satisfaction than the employed."
Ultimately, evidence points to the ability and freedom to allocate personal time as what drives overall well-being in both the employed and the unemployed. More than anything else, the freedom to pursue personal passions, whatever they may be, is the key to finding joy.
Finding community
As to how best to allocate personal time, being the social animals that we are, spending time with friends and family and in a community setting creates a sense of belonging that boosts happiness, according to the famous 80-year-long Harvard Study of Adult Development.
This includes participating in activities such as sports and cultural events or belonging to clubs.
Individual preference, of course, plays into this. Introverted individuals might find being alone a fulfilling use of time. Still, research points to having a support system to turn to and the option to engage in social activities when in need valuable to the overall pursuit of happiness.
On this International Day of Happiness, why not reflect on what makes you smile and take some time to pursue activities that bring you fulfilment and satisfaction.
Also see: 3 repetition-centric meditations to try