IT seems that joy can be found in what’s happening in your schedule, not in your checkbook.

    According to research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, striving for more free time rather than more money is linked to a greater sense of happiness.

    Investigators surveyed more than 4,600 adults in the United States and Canada. In six different studies, they were asked to identify with the traits and preferences that most resembled their values, such as whether they’d opt for a more expensive home with a shorter commute or a less expensive home with a longer commute.

    The results: Slightly more than half of the participants stated they prioritized their time over their finances. And the older the person, the more likely they were to put greater stock in moments over money.

    “There was definitely some suggestive research that valuing time over money in one’s daily life might be related to greater happiness, but for me the most surprising findings were twofold,” said lead researcher Ashley Whillans, a doctoral student in social psychology at the University of British Columbia.

    While she was struck by the almost equal split, Whillans was more stunned “that the results didn’t depend critically on factors that might be predictive of wellbeing, such as marital status, gender or their income. Across all of the income levels studied in our surveys, prioritizing time over money was associated with greater happiness for both those in the lowest income bracket and the highest. And I think that’s really interesting, as well.”

    Whillans further explained that finding extra minutes — even hours — in your everyday tasks may be connected to spending a few extra bucks every now and then. “I believe people don’t think about money being able to change their time, and I’m hoping this research sheds light on the ways they can make these kinds of day-to-day decisions.”

    For example, she suggested possibly purchasing groceries online or pumping gas at the slightly pricier station that is 10 minutes closer to home.

    And if you’re facing an extra-long work week, Whillans recommended hiring a cleaning service to take over the dusting and vacuuming duties one weekend in order to give you more precious minutes with family and friends. “It doesn’t have to be a regular investment, but that US$40 you may spend on two hours of house cleaning will likely result in greater benefits,” she concluded. “So instead of buying yourself a US$5 cup of coffee each morning on the way to work, accumulate that money to buy yourself better time on the weekends.” (SD-Agencies)