And Finally... Busy means happy, says scientist - shame we're programmed to be lazy

By Tony White on Aug 2, 10 09:17 AM in News

Humans are at their happiest when they keep active, but unfortuantely our default setting is that of idleness, so says a behavioural scientist.

Professor Christopher Hsee of Chicago University says that keeping the mind occupied with tasks - no matter how meaningless - helps stave off negative emotions.

However, this is counteracted by his assertion that people are lazy by nature in order to save energy.

This claim is based on the results of a survey involving 98 students. The subjects of the study had to fill out two forms - the first one they all filled out in the same place. They were then made to wait 15 minutes before they received the next one and were given the option of either staying put to receive the second survey or walking to a more distant location to get it.

Whichever option they chose, the subjects would be given a chocolate bar when the 15 minutes were up.

More than two-thirds chose the lazy option, but those who had chosen to walk reported feeling happier than those who had just stayed where they were.

In conclusion, Prof Hsee advised: "Get up and do something. Anything. Even if there really is no point to what you are doing, you will feel better for it."

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