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- Wealth is commonly defined in terms of currency or how financially stable someone is.
- Experts say the true measure of wealth and success is happiness and how connected we are to one another.
- Humans have an average of 2.5 billion heartbeats to spend over a lifetime, making us all heartbeat billionaires.
- The question is: How will you make life rich with your billions?
Humans need other humans. There’s no other way around it.
Even in turbulent times, we turn to our partners, friends, family, or even neighbors to bring us joy – ultimately proving the positive impact of togetherness.
And nurturing these social connections is very important, according to Julianne Holt-Lunstad, professor of psychology at Brigham Young University.
“Humans are a social species,” she says. “Throughout human history we’ve needed to rely on others for survival. Being part of a group is adaptive, such that some neuroscientists argue that our brains have evolved to expect social proximity.”
Being social starts with opening ourselves, and our hearts, to others. And our heart plays a big part in our lives, of course, by keeping us alive. Each one of us is born with a lifetime supply of 2.5 billion heartbeats. That’s right, we’re all “heartbeat billionaires.” The more we measure wealth by investing our heartbeats in ourselves – and in each other – the happier and healthier we are.
Redefining wealth by focusing less on money, and more on loved ones, should be the new normal
It’s time to measure success outside of financial currency. To provide an even playing field, let’s consider a new metric: 2.5 billion heartbeats.
Billionaires around the world believe measuring success and wealth comes from happiness and meaningful connections. People who choose time over money are generally happier since they invest that time wisely in people and experiences. They understand spending time with others is what makes life rich, whether they’re preparing a delicious meal or enjoying a few beers with friends.
Although money cannot buy happiness, the way we spend our 2.5 billion heartbeats can.
Investing in activities with others can improve health
Spending our heartbeat “capital” on people and things that matter most to us can reap significant rewards. Building memories and connecting with other humans help us lower the risk of disease, sleep better, and live longer.
Connecting with others has long-term effects on our body like a lower risk for heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, cognitive decline, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, and loneliness, according to Holt-Lunstad.
Spending quality time with loved ones can increase overall happiness and quality of life
When we invest our supply of heartbeats in the people who matter most, we’re not only likely to live longer, but also be happier.
A recent study in the UK compared how mood levels are affected by doing activities alone or with someone else. The data proved that doing activities together with a friend or partner – like hiking or taking a trip – boosted one’s mood significantly versus doing them solo.
Indeed, focusing on our social relationships is key to contributing to overall happiness. “Our relationships can provide a sense of meaning and purpose, leading to greater satisfaction with life and lower depression, and [more] happiness,” Holt-Lunstad says.
Maintaining relationships helps ground us. Don’t second guess planning a virtual night-in with friends, the road trip with your partner, or even volunteering locally with neighbors. Investing in others not only lifts your mood, but also helps you make the most of your heartbeats.
This post was created by Insider Studios with Stella Artois.
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