THIS HABIT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE ADOPTING IS LINKED TO GREATER HAPPINESS, ACCORDING TO SCIENCE

When it comes to happiness, we often think it is enough to build quality relationships, as shown by the largest study on happiness conducted by Harvard University over nearly 85 years, or to be able to enjoy the present moment. Spoiler: we are not going to tell you otherwise. That is true, and the science is clear. However, certain daily habits can make it easier to boost fulfillment. According to a recent study conducted by Talker Research and ThriftBooks in 2025, involving nearly 2,000 American participants, spending time away from screens and social media may help people deeply disconnect and access even more happiness.

Away from screens, closer to happiness

The numbers speak for themselves. According to StudyFinds, which reported on the study, “25% of people feel overwhelmed, 22% feel anxious, 18% feel irritable and 19% feel dissatisfied with their lives because of the omnipresence of screens.” One major reason? The negativity this technology brings into daily life.

To fight this bad habit, it is important to set limits on screen time: “54% of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, and 43% of millennials, born between 1980 and 1990, set aside disconnected time slots every day,” the study notes. By contrast, Generation X, the generation of our parents and grandparents, meaning people born from 1965 onward, has a harder time disconnecting, at 33%.

The ideal activities for disconnecting from screens

For Barbara Hagen, vice president of sales and marketing at ThriftBooks, this finding is not surprising: “People are more aware than ever of the value of time spent offline.” Good news. But then how can you truly disconnect, and what habits should you put in place to make it happen?

You can allow yourself a walk in nature to recharge, practice physical activity or sports, or try meditation or relaxation, activities known to promote mindfulness and reconnection with yourself.

According to the study, among the most popular screen-free hobbies are writing notes in a journal, including the practice of gratitude, chosen by 32% of respondents, as well as reading paperback books, at 31%. For Barbara Hagen, “reading books, especially print books, is an excellent way to slow down, refocus and fully immerse yourself in an enriching activity.”

Finally, board games and puzzles appeal to 27% of participants. To be happy, it is therefore essential to know how to silence your phone, and even disconnect from screens more broadly, in order to return to what matters most.

The post This habit more and more people are adopting is linked to greater happiness, according to science appeared first on Futura-Sciences.

2026-08-06T18:09:49Z