A recent study conducted by University College London sheds light on the intriguing correlation between time of day and emotional well-being. Analyzing data from over 49,000 adults between March 2020 and March 2022, researchers sought to understand how mental health, well-being, and feelings of loneliness fluctuate. The findings, published in the BMJ Mental Health journal, reveal a significant relationship between the time of day and mood, suggesting that mornings, especially weekend mornings, may hold the key to improved clarity and happiness.
Participants in the study received alerts throughout the day, prompting them to assess their feelings. This approach allowed researchers to explore various measures of happiness, including hedonic well-being, which pertains to pleasant feelings experienced throughout the day, and eudemonic well-being, related to actions conducive to long-term fulfillment. The analysis found that "generally, things do seem better in the morning," highlighting a daily mood pattern that suggests increased positivity at the start of the day.
Moreover, the study identified weekly and seasonal changes in mood. During weekends, individuals typically reported a higher positive affect compared to weekdays. This suggests circadian mood patterns differ throughout the week. Additionally, better mental health is often observed in the summer, attributed to increased exposure to sunlight and warm weather. These findings underscore the complex interplay between environmental factors and emotional well-being.
The research offers valuable insights into how people experience happiness and fulfillment. By examining both hedonic and eudemonic well-being, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing daily mood variations. The large sample size of 49,000 adults strengthens the credibility of these findings, offering a robust foundation for future mental health research.
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