Need a happiness boost? Get out of town! No, seriously. The further you are from home, the happier your tweets tend to be, according to a new study from the University of Vermont.
Researchers analyzed 37 million geolocated tweets from 180,000 people in the United States during 2011 (meaning the tweets included GPS information). From those tweets, they were able to determine where each user spent most of their time and how far they typically traveled throughout the year. Researchers noticed that people used fewer negative words (like “hate,” “can’t’,” “damn,” and “never”) and more positive words (like “new,” “great,” “beach,” and “restaurant”) the farther they were from home. Pretty awesome, right?
Sure, the occasional vacay can boost your mood and give you more exciting things to tweet about, but frequent flyers saw an even bigger benefit: People who cast a wider travel net tended to be happier tweeters overall when compared to those who generally stayed in their bubble, says lead study author Christopher Danforth, PhD, associate professor in the department of mathematics and statistics at the University of Vermont.
So why does packing up and leaving give you such a happiness rush? “When we get out of the monotony, our mood changes,” says Elizabeth Lombardo, PhD, author of A Happy You. “We see things in a different way, we appreciate [things] more. It provides us with a different perspective.” Not to mention that travel usually frees you from at least a few responsibilities. Whether it’s zoning out from work while on vacation or forgetting about household duties while at a work conference, you’re able to hone in on certain things rather than constantly multitasking, says Lombardo.
Luckily, you don’t need to be a jetsetter to reap the benefits. Just try these simple tweaks to change your scenery and amp up your happiness—no airline tickets required:
Get outside
It’s no island getaway, but even a walk around the block can get you in the vacation state of mind. “The research overwhelmingly shows that when we’re outside, we’re happier,” says Lombardo. Add to that the stress-busting and confidence-boosting benefits that come with it. Plus, you move more when you’re on vacation, so adding more activity to your day can help you achieve the similar zen you get from hiking around a resort, says Lombardo.
Ditch your usual hangout
It’s no coincidence that people tended to tweet the words restaurant, café, lunch, and dinner when they were farther from home. When you travel, you’re constantly hitting up new and exciting spots, so try the same technique in your city, says Lombardo. Even if it ends up only being so-so, heading somewhere new breaks up your routine and can help you avoid falling into a stay-at-home rut.
Do something spontaneous
Remember that time you took salsa lessons in Mexico or went horseback riding on the beach? We’re willing to bet you can do those same kinds of things in your own town. Sign up for something you would never normally do at home, says Lombardo. The thrill of trying something new will give you the same rush you get on vacation.
Plan your next getaway
Even if you can’t take a day off until 2014, it’s still a good idea to start thinking about your next trip. “Studies have found that just planning a vacation increases our happiness,” says Lombardo. Start a Pinterest board of “Vacation Wish Lists” and take a 10-minute break once a week to browse through resorts. Not only will you be happier, but you’ll be super prepared when the time comes to actually book a trip.
Do some redecorating
When a vacation just isn’t in the cards, change the scenery on your desk instead. Print out pictures from your last trip, or get some inexpensive prints of spots you’d love to visit. Then, post them around your office or set them as the background on your computer. “Research shows that just looking at a picture of nature can make us happier,” says Lombardo. Remembering a fond vacation also has a similar effect, she says.
Get social—even when you’re local
If you weren’t too surprised by this study, it’s probably because you’re guilty of the same Twitter behavior. After all, who doesn’t love to humblebrag when you’re sipping a pina colada on the beach and complain when you’re stuck in traffic on the way to work? But tweaking your Twitter habits can have an awesome effect on your mood. “You don’t have to be away from home to start tweeting about cool things going on in your life,” says Lombardo. “Start taking pictures not just when you’re at the beach, but when you’re walking down the street. Challenge yourself to Instagram more when you’re home”—rather than just when you’re on vacation. Chances are you’ll see a boost in your mood and your follower
photo: Polka Dot/Thinkstock
More from Women’s Health:
How to Be Happy
The Happiness Diet
Be Happy
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