Want to feel happier? Paul Bloom has some tips on what to avoid, and it's not what you think
Psychologist Paul Bloom can’t be the only person in the world who wonders why sane people choose to practice marathons. Why volunteer for cramps, dehydration, and bleeding toes? While we’re at it, why choose to watch a scary movie or take on a big project that you know will stress you out? “Chosen suffering” is a complicated human flea, Professor Bloom tells ABC RN’s Big Idea. In this “hedonistic era,” we all want to have fun, he says. “But that’s not all we want.” For centuries, religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and the philosophers of the Enlightenment, have debated the value of suffering. Professor Bloom argues that suffering can give us things we may not know we need – and even lead to satisfaction. Why would anyone choose to hurt themselves because of a marathon workout? ( Getty: scaman306 ) Scratching an itch vs having kids Professor Bloom describes two different types of happiness. One is simple and at the moment. He offers several examples: “ It’s