Hedonism!

August 1st, 2020| Topic: RaMbLeS | 0

They say that in the busy-ness of our advanced civilization, where the wheels never stop turning, there is no time to do absolutely nothing. You have stuff to do at work, at school, at home, at church, with family, with friends, with acquaintances. Things to do, places to go, people to see. Etc.

But then came COVID-19.

Well, maybe for some the wheels still haven’t stopped turning. Distances to keep, masks to wear, meals to cook, kids to entertain, body to be worked out, meetings to Zoom®. Etc.

Hopefully not. Hopefully you are finding time to do absolutely nothing. Because they say, you can live happier lives and suffer less depression that way.

“They” in this case are Katharina Bernecker and Daniela Becker, psychology researchers at the University of Zurich and Radboud University (Netherlands). And they made their pronouncements recently in “Beyond Self-Control: Mechanisms of Hedonic Goal Pursuit and Its Relevance for Well-Being,” in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin.

Self-control that keeps those wheels spinning and plates juggling, ensuring successful long-term goal pursuit, is all well and good, but seeking pleasure and self-indulgence is what positively impacts your wellbeing, apparently. Hedonism, i.e., finding immediate pleasure or relief from displeasure.

Said Bernecker:

It’s time for a rethink. Of course self-control is important, but research on self-regulation should pay just as much attention to hedonism, or short-term pleasure.”

B&B used a survey to discover whether it was easy for folks to pursue short-term pleasures. It turns out, even if you find the time, your moment of bliss can be easily distracted. Some respondents say reminders of “real life” tend to creep into their thoughts while relaxing and having fun.

Said Becker:

For example, when lying on the couch you might keep thinking of the sport you are not doing. Those thoughts about conflicting long-term goals undermine the immediate need to relax.”

And there is also that diabolical virus that distracts us with its stresses and strains.

The study also examined if having a hedonistic moment during the day aided one’s state of wellbeing.

And those who enjoyed themselves in abandonment were found to have a higher sense of well-being. The study authors add such people were also less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other long-term mental health conditions.

People, the researchers conclude, need to find a better balance in their lives and be more hedonistic! In fact, we are to use our self-control to aid us plan for such activities and to schedule in deliberate distractions, clearly separating work and pleasure.

Said Jesus:

“Do not be worried about your life—what you will eat or what you will drink;
nor for your body—what you will put on.
Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns,
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?
And who of you by being worried can add an hour to his life?
Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’
or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’
… For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself.”
Matthew 6:25–27, 31–34

I agree. Time to get back to my nap. Without guilt.

SOURCES:
University of Zurich Media; Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin