We’ve all heard the saying that money can’t buy happiness. It’s a mantra often repeated, suggesting that the most valuable things in life are free. We see stories of lottery winners facing challenges, which reinforces this idea. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the contentment that many affluent individuals seem to experience. This brings us to an interesting point: while cash can’t procure joy directly, it can certainly help create the conditions for it.
Recent research published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (and not in some parody magazine) revealed that spending money on time-saving services boosts happiness more than buying material possessions. In simpler terms, purchasing groceries may not bring a smile to your face, but hiring someone to do your grocery shopping for you? That’s a different story!
I can’t be the only one who dreams of having just a couple more hours in the day. A few months ago, I made the decision to hire a cleaning service to come every two weeks. While I can usually keep up with daily tidying in my modest home, the thorough cleaning tasks often get neglected. Things like mopping, scrubbing, and deep-cleaning were always postponed until my home resembled a chaotic mess, requiring a full weekend dedicated to restoring order.
These weekends, however, needed to be free from the chaos of my husband and kids, which rarely happens. So, I enlisted the help of a cleaner named Rachel who comes bi-weekly. She dusts, scrubs, and truly works wonders. Since bringing her on board, I’ve been free from the stress that usually accompanies the inevitable cleaning frenzy. Even during times when I’m nursing a sick child or battling my own ailments, such as a recent stretch of relentless headaches, I no longer feel overwhelmed by the housework accumulating around me. Rachel effectively resets my home every two weeks, alleviating the burden of clutter and chaos. This has significantly improved my mood and patience, benefiting both my family and those around us.
Here’s the kicker: I genuinely dislike cleaning. I don’t spring out of bed excited to tackle dust on the shelves. There are so many more enjoyable things I could do, like exercising, enjoying a leisurely breakfast, or playing with my kids. By outsourcing tasks I detest, I’ve freed up time for activities that truly bring me joy, resulting in a happier life overall.
It perplexes me that many who can afford time-saving services choose not to utilize them. A common reason is the perception that paying for help is frivolous. Yet, when I think about my longing for more hours in the day, it’s clear that countless individuals would willingly trade cash for time. We accept appliances like dishwashers and microwaves as legitimate purchases that save us time, yet hiring someone for a task seems to carry a stigma of laziness or entitlement.
Whether you’re paying for cleaning, laundry, hair styling, or lawn care, you’re essentially investing in time—time that can now be devoted to what you enjoy. I struggle to imagine anyone on their deathbed wishing they had spent more time scrubbing their car.
Even opting for convenience, like saying “Let’s just get pizza!” on a particularly exhausting day, can enhance your happiness. Not only does pizza bring joy, but it also buys you a break and spares you from kitchen cleanup.
Time is valuable, and its worth is measurable in dollars. While the best things in life may be free, if you’re perpetually bogged down with chores you loathe, you’re missing out on what truly matters. So, I prioritize freeing up my time whenever possible, allowing me to savor moments with those I cherish most.
For further insights on creating a fulfilling life, consider exploring resources like this one on donor insemination, or check out Modern Family Blog for more on optimizing your time for happiness. And if you’re exploring the journey of parenthood, explore our guide on at-home insemination kits.
In summary, while money alone may not buy happiness, spending it wisely on time-saving services can significantly enhance your quality of life, allowing for more joy-filled moments with loved ones.