Thursday, January 21, 2010

Hold it, hold it!


Yep, it's not quite Friday yet.

According to a paper published in this month's Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, by this time tomorrow (well, adjust according to your time zone), we should all be feeling happier, with more energy and less aches and pains. These findings held across age, gender, income, working hours and profession. It holds even for those who love their work. Clinical support for 'The thank God it's Friday' syndrome.

Isn't it good to know it isn't just in your head?

Professor Richard Ryan at the University of Rochester in New York relates the findings to the importance of free time to wellbeing. The study reinforces Ryan's "self-determination theory," which states that well-being is based on one's personal needs for autonomy, competence and social relationships. The competing demands of work can make those needs difficult to achieve.

Meanwhile, what about those of us who don't work Friday or who have to work Saturday? Sniff.

4 comments:

Dr. Deb said...

I like the weekends. I think, though, that if I had two days off during the week, I would luxuriate in them as well. It's the being away from "work/school" that feels so nice.

shrink on the couch said...

Well, let's hope the fewer aches and pains part is true - because tomorrow is a tennis morning and I haven't played in weeks. Ack.

But, yeah. I lurrrve Fridays. I'm all happy-happy-bounce-in-my-step on Fridays!

Tay said...

I get the weekends, plus one day mid-week off and I have to say I feel better on my days off then on the days when I have to work. I think work environment has a lot to do with it though. I know people who really like their jobs and feel great when they're at them. I have a friend who looks forward to Mondays whereas I'm dreading them.

Awake In Rochester said...

Hm, those people in Rochester, NY are really smart!!! ;)

Every day's the same to me since I can't work. I still have mega stress now.