Chasing Hobbies Over Achievement Boosts Happiness

Individuals emphasizing freedom and hobbies experienced a boost in well-being, whereas those prioritizing achievement felt less happy.

The research showed that valuing ‘hedonism’ and ‘self-direction’ led to increased happiness across India, Turkey, and the UK. In contrast, ‘achievement’ and ‘conformity’ values showed no direct happiness benefits.

The findings spotlight the importance of balancing life pursuits for mental health.