So how do you truly enjoy yourself when you’re living in your office? With more people working from home during COVID-19 lockdowns, Bernecker believes job stresses are likely invading the space people do most of their relaxing in.

The study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin finds there’s a new problem distracting people from their hedonic activities - the coronavirus. COVID-19 continues to get in the way of happiness “Really enjoying one’s hedonic choice isn’t actually that simple for everybody because of those distracting thoughts,” Bernecker adds. Simply trying to squeeze in more lavish meals and nights out at a bar won’t keep your mind from dwelling on your unfinished business. The European team says one of the big takeaways is that people need to find a better balance in their lives. The study authors add these people are also less likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other long-term mental health conditions. The participants who report they got to fully enjoy themselves were found to have a higher sense of well-being. “Those thoughts about conflicting long-term goals undermine the immediate need to relax.” “For example, when lying on the couch you might keep thinking of the sport you are not doing,” Becker explains. Some respondents say reminders of “real life” tend to creep into their thoughts while relaxing and having fun. It turns out, even if you find the time, your moment of bliss can be easily distracted. The questionnaire also tries to link successfully having a hedonistic moment to that person’s wellbeing. “Of course self-control is important, but research on self-regulation should pay just as much attention to hedonism, or short-term pleasure.” Finding time for hedonism is harder than you thinkīernecker and co-author Daniela Becker of Radboud University used a survey to gauge how easy it is for people to pursue short-term pleasures. “It’s time for a rethink,” Bernecker says in a university release. Self-control might keep your life in order, but the new research argues seeking pleasure and self-indulgence positively impacts your wellbeing. It helps prioritize your long-term goals and responsibilities over spontaneous pleasures and diversions. Katharina Bernecker from the University of Zurich says most psychology experts believe self-control is vital to having a successful life. A new study finds people who take the time for hedonism are living happier lives and suffer less depression. Researchers in Europe say if you have a lot of self-control it might be time to “rethink” your life. Between work, school, family, or friends, it can seem like you always have something to do. ZURICH, Switzerland - It can be hard to find the time to do absolutely nothing.

Hedonic power