Happiness by Design

Alcoholism

15-Min Online Training Sessions That Could Be Life Changing

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on May 18, 2016

An easier, quicker and potentially more efficient way of changing behaviour could revolutionise therapy in years to come.

An easier, quicker and potentially more efficient way of changing behaviour could revolutionise therapy in years to come.

Laughter

Why We Laugh at Others on April Fool's Day

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on April 1, 2016

Why does laughing at the expense of others bring us so much pleasure and what does it say about our human nature? Here are some key explanations.

Why does laughing at the expense of others bring us so much pleasure and what does it say about our human nature? Here are some key explanations.

Career

Getting More Purpose at Work With Feedback​

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on November 21, 2015

Feel like your job isn't worthwhile? The right feedback could change your outlook.

Feel like your job isn't worthwhile? The right feedback could change your outlook.

Happiness

How You Can Control How Happy You Are

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on August 4, 2015

It is sometimes argued that we don’t have any control over how happy we are. Some people are just born happy, others aren’t, and even if our happiness changes a little bit in response to the trials and tribulations of life, we always go back to our natural ‘set point’ of happiness. What nonsense.

It is sometimes argued that we don’t have any control over how happy we are. Some people are just born happy, others aren’t, and even if our happiness changes a little bit in response to the trials and tribulations of life, we always go back to our natural ‘set point’ of happiness. What nonsense.

Happiness

Will Having Children Really Make You Happier?

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on July 14, 2015

Research shows that the effect of having children on happiness is, at best, neutral. But is this really the whole story?

Research shows that the effect of having children on happiness is, at best, neutral. But is this really the whole story?

Happiness

Five Tips to Maximise Mother's Day Happiness

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on March 14, 2015

It’s Mothers Day tomorrow in the UK. That means you’re probably on the hook to do something special. But don’t panic. There are a few lessons from happiness and behavioural science that can help you and your mum to have the most happiness on Mother’s day possible.

It’s Mothers Day tomorrow in the UK. That means you’re probably on the hook to do something special. But don’t panic. There are a few lessons from happiness and behavioural science that can help you and your mum to have the most happiness on Mother’s day possible.

Sometimes love is described as if it is happiness in and of itself. Love is not happiness, although it can contribute to your happiness—and your happiness can contribute to your success in love too. This Valentine’s Day, learn a bit more about what love is and think about whether it’s worth having or not.

Happiness

Happiness Is Not Only an Individual Matter

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on February 4, 2015

Happiness research draws our attention to how the structure of society impacts upon our wellbeing just as much as it does to individual behaviours and characteristics. Being happier, therefore, involves both structure and agency.

Happiness research draws our attention to how the structure of society impacts upon our wellbeing just as much as it does to individual behaviours and characteristics. Being happier, therefore, involves both structure and agency.

Happiness

Beat the Blue Monday Blues with these Behaviour Change Clues

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on January 19, 2015

It’s Blue Monday today, which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. There is likely to be a lot going around on the web about how to think yourself happy. But it is very difficult to change the way that you think. So instead, here are some tips to change the way you behave to beat the Blue Monday blues.

It’s Blue Monday today, which is supposed to be the most depressing day of the year. There is likely to be a lot going around on the web about how to think yourself happy. But it is very difficult to change the way that you think. So instead, here are some tips to change the way you behave to beat the Blue Monday blues.

Happiness

Are You a Pleasure Machine or a Purpose Engine?

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on January 12, 2015

There are two types of happy experiences: those that are pleasurable and those that are purposeful. Are you a ‘pleasure machine’, experiencing more pleasure than purpose? Or are you a ‘purpose engine’, experiencing more purpose than pleasure? What sort of balance would best suit you?

There are two types of happy experiences: those that are pleasurable and those that are purposeful. Are you a ‘pleasure machine’, experiencing more pleasure than purpose? Or are you a ‘purpose engine’, experiencing more purpose than pleasure? What sort of balance would best suit you?

Happiness

Is Your Life Really Going Well or do You Just Think it is?

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on January 7, 2015

‘Tis the time of year for resolutions. Whether it’s making them, keeping them, or, more often than not, breaking them. The Internet is flooded with recommendations for what to do and how to do it. But there’s at least one important thing missing from all of this fuss: will your resolutions make you happier in the long run? Learn about two sorts of happiness to find out.

‘Tis the time of year for resolutions. Whether it’s making them, keeping them, or, more often than not, breaking them. The Internet is flooded with recommendations for what to do and how to do it. But there’s at least one important thing missing from all of this fuss: will your resolutions make you happier in the long run? Learn about two sorts of happiness to find out.

Should you be happy at work? The science suggests yes - it will make you better at your job, too. Most people who think happiness at work isn't important believe that happiness is all about having fun. But happiness is about feeling fulfillment, too. This article discusses what happiness at work means and how you can get more of it.

Attention

Now, Where Was I?

Paul Dolan Ph.D. on August 18, 2014

A distracted mindset means we have less attention leftover to pay attention to what makes us happy. But there’s a lot we can do to detach ourselves from our distracting devices.

A distracted mindset means we have less attention leftover to pay attention to what makes us happy. But there’s a lot we can do to detach ourselves from our distracting devices.

Are you procrastinating by reading this blog that I procrastinated over writing? If so, you’re not alone – most people admit to procrastinating. But don’t worry: on this occasion, your procrastination will pay off! Here are a few tips on how you can Decide, Design, and Do your way to greater productivity and happiness.