So as the new year has started, so have our New Year’s Resolution Experience! Yes, for anyone who is a member of a gym, you can see the new members join and go to all the classes or run on the treadmill in hopes of meeting the “better health” goal. The whole time, they’re talking about the latest technology they received over the holidays or possibly lamenting the “family experience” they had. I usually just keep my head down and keep exercising because I have learned in the past year or so a different approach to the holidays and the New Year. Focus on the moment, the happy within that moment.
And finally I have research to prove it! Recently, I read an online article titled “The Science Of Why You Should Spend Your Money On Experiences, Not Things” written by Jay Cassano. In the article, he explains that several research studies have shown that experiences bring more happiness to our lives than material objects over time. “One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation,” says Dr. Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University who has been studying the question of money and happiness for over two decades. “We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.” So rather than buying the latest iPhone or a new BMW, Gilovich suggests you’ll get more happiness spending money on experiences like going to art exhibits, doing outdoor activities, learning a new skill, or traveling. So I say why not try acupuncture?!?! It would support your “better health” resolution and be a fascinating experience that you could share with others!
Cassano continues to explain that shared experiences connect us more to other people than shared consumption. You’re much more likely to feel connected to someone you took a vacation with at Disney World than someone who also happens to have bought a 4K TV. “We consume experiences directly with other people,” says Gilovich. “And after they’re gone, they’re part of the stories that we tell to one another.” And even if someone wasn’t with you when you had a particular experience, you’re much more likely to bond over both having hiked the Appalachian Trail or seeing the same show than you are over both owning Fitbits. Or how about bonding over ACUPUNCTURE!! I mean, what a great conversation…and if you haven’t had that conversation, then it’s time to try acupuncture so you can JOIN the conversation!
Reach out to your local acupuncturist or start talking to your family and friends. You’d be amazed at who you know has experienced acupuncture and is happier for it! So let acupuncture help you attain your “better health” resolution while also making you a happier person!