Feeling Busy Helps People Make Healthy Choices

An international study found that people around the globe, whether in California or in Hong Kong, make healthier choices for themselves if they feel they are “busy.” This aspect of a “busy mindset,” as it is known in the research, was conducted by researchers at the global business school INSEAD, the Fox School of Business at Temple University in Pennsylvania, and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. The study was published in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Researchers in each location divided a random set of people into two groups: a control group, which was given no psychological input; and a second group, who were made to feel busy.

Afterwards, they asked all the participants to make a series of choices, thereby determining how feeling busy related to self-control and self-esteem.

The researchers avoided urgent questions, such as questions of life-and-death. Instead the participants were asked to make the types of choices that we all make on a daily basis. For example, participants were asked which foods they wanted to eat, whether or not to exercise, whether to spend or to save money, along with other similar questions.

The conclusions of the study are best summed up in the words of Prof. Chattopadhay of INSEAD, the lead author of the study: “Every day we make decisions that involve choosing between our immediate and future well-being. When we perceive ourselves to be busy, it boosts our self-esteem, tipping the balance in favor of the more virtuous choice.”

The authors pointed out that individuals who feel far too busy — and certainly those who are far too busy — often have greater anxiety, greater feelings of stress. These negative feelings often lead them to make worse decisions.

At Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, in scenic Lakewood, NJ, our goal is to offer activities that stimulate both mind and body. We fashion each day’s recreation schedule with the primary purpose of encouraging social interaction, promoting physical health and fitness, and giving our residents the healthy benefits of a busy life. We accommodate different interests and personal preferences, our Activities Director designs flexible schedules, with a variety of stimulating and engaging activity options.

Our beautiful nursing home and rehab center is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, and provides the comfortable and pleasant living experience that is essential to ensuring optimal clinical outcomes. We have strived to create an environment and program that truly enhances quality of life, thus promoting recuperation, health, and well-being.

Our modern facility features spacious living spaces that are impeccably decorated and furnished. Our residents are pampered with the finest amenities, including free WIFI, flat screen cable television and state-of-the-art mechanical beds for individualized comfort.

Atlantic Coast’s long-term care program emphasizes a restorative approach, encouraging each patient’s potential to maximize function and mobility.

We are conveniently located close to major medical centers and just minutes from area highways.

Read our reviews on senioradvisor.com, caring.com, and wellness.com to hear what our residents and their families have to say.

Or better yet, come see for yourself: Contact us to schedule a tour by calling 732-364-7100, or by clicking here.