Although most adults have given up on making a list of gifts we want from Santa Claus, we have not given up wanting stuff, stuff and more stuff. Never mind “Tis the season to be jolly,” instead try:
Tis the season to be greedy.
All this greed, commercialism and frenzy to buy can add a huge layer of stress over an already stressful season. Stress, in turn, can cause sleeplessness, anxiety and exacerbate shy bladder or other existing conditions.
One bright spot in this swirl of greed, however, can be that the frenzy is not our fault. Society plays a role in this greed-fest, and Christine Carter examines how in an article at GreaterGood.com.
She lists three main reasons for our desires, and they are good reasons indeed! Carter says they are:
- We systematically confuse gratification, which is fleeting, with real joy or lasting happiness.
- Our brains are hardwired to pursue rewards.
- All the carrots being dangled out there are dizzying.
She also notes big cases of the “gimmes” are not always reserved for kids, but can hit adults just as easily if we’re not careful. Her insights are definitely worth checking out and may help explain some of your own endless yearnings for material goodies.
Read full article at GreaterGood.com: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/raising_happiness/post/wired_to_want
