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During next week’s Republican National Convention, I will be on a beach vacation living with people who have a variety of political views. Let’s just say some are completely at odds. I plan to enjoy the heck out of my time off. I know what you’re thinking – she is off her rocker. She has left the stratosphere of what is actually possible. Is she living in a little bubble that shields her from ugly polarization and inane pettiness this presidential election season? Perhaps, but I must thank the late Gore Vidal for this enlightened perspective. Or at least my [...]

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has added his name to the long list of people who believe we should measure prosperity in terms of happiness and life satisfaction, instead of just dollars and data. In a recent speech before a group of international researchers, Bernanke talked about the difference between happiness — a subjective and transitory feeling — and well-being, which is a longer-term measure. He said that keys to finding long-term life satisfaction include “a strong sense of support from belonging to a family or core group and a broader community, a sense of control over one’s life, a [...]

What if right this moment your salary doubled in size? Imagine the possibilities: twice as many meals out, twice as much money for retirement and twice as many weekend getaways. Or heck, maybe that beach house you’ve always wanted would now be within reach. It’s easy to let your imagination run away with you, but would all of this bonus income add up to twice as much happiness? While most people would respond with a resounding yes, they’d be wrong: A new study conducted by the authors of the forthcoming book “Happy Money: The Science of Spending,” proves it’s not true. According to the [...]

Researcher Ben Waber says expanding your circle of lunchtime companions can improve your performanceResearcher Ben Waber says the secret to workplace happiness is as simple as rearranging the officeLessening e-mails, increasing personal interaction can lead to greater productivityWaber’s team found that the larger your social circle at work, the more productive you areWaber suggests circulating around the office and chatting up strangersEditor’s note: Columnist Amanda Enayati ponders the theme of seeking serenity, the quest for well-being and life balance in stressful times. Follow her on Twitter or on Facebook. Imagine the top three things that might make you happier and [...]