People who prioritize time more than material goods tend to be more satisfied with their lives. That’s the conclusion of the research published by scientists from the University of British Columbia (UBC).

Valuing Time Over Money

It goes to show the truth that we make ourselves happy, rather than things we have or dream of. Besides the world became extremely busy and the most valuable thing today is time. It sounds simplistic but it really is.

More than 4 thousand students of the university, as well as visitors of the science museum in Vancouver participated in the research. The survey involved questions from daily life.

The participants were asked to choose where they would like to live — in a lavish house located far away from their job or in a cheaper one but close to the office; how they would like to work after graduation — long hours and have a high income or start a career with less hours and lower salary, respectively.

6 various studies were conducted.

The Research

It turned out that the majority of people appreciate time over money in their existence, and this approach is directly associated with feeling happier. More than 50% of respondents indicated that time was more significant for them than the material values. Elderly people opted for time as the main value even stronger than younger ones, Sciencedaily.com reported.

When people get older, they start to appreciate time rather than material things and try to spend it in a valuable way, explained lead researcher Ashley Whillans, a doctoral student in Social Psychology at the UBC.

However, opinions of people living in poverty were not analyzed whereas they are more likely to choose money as their main goal and justification for existence.

In addition, Whillans believes that to live in a more meaningful way, we need to shift our priorities — do not stay at work till night, hire someone to do the work that we can’t stand like cleaning up, or help people in need.

How To Become Happier

Undoubtedly, some alternatives require money, but even small changes can help us become happier:

• Walk early in the morning
• Chat with friends
• Visit relatives
• Do sports
• Sign up for dancing lessons
• Work for charitable causes
• Learn another language

The list is endless!

If you want to meet your sweetheart, register on a dating site — it will not take long, and can be exciting and joyful. Having more spare time spent in a valuable way will advance you on your way to happiness faster than money that you can make during this time.

And certainly, finding a soul mate changes your whole perspective on life. Men who are in a relationship live longer and are happier, research after research confirms.

Read also:

• How to become happy
• Having a Sense of Purpose in Life Not Only Attracts Women, But Also Prolongs Your Life
• Survey Results: What Men and Women Want To Change in 2016
• International Dating Online — Why Meeting Foreign Women Is Smart