Are you someone who is always punctual, or do you tend to run a little late? According to a recent long-term study, being late might actually be better for your health in the long run. The study, which analyzed data from over 20,000 adults and ran between 2004 and 2022, found that consistently late people tend to have a 69% higher chance of living at least 47 months longer than those who stress out about being on time.
The study included a wide range of adults from North America, Europe, East Asia, and the Middle East. The researchers were surprised by their findings, which contradicted the conventional wisdom that punctuality is a virtue. According to the study, people who are always late tend to be more laid back and less stressed than their punctual counterparts. They don't get worked up about being late, and they don't worry too much about what other people think of them.
Interestingly, the study found that being late is particularly beneficial for people who are meeting up with friends. This may be because when we are with our friends, we tend to be more relaxed and less stressed. Being late to meet up with friends can actually enhance this feeling, as it gives us more time to unwind and enjoy the moment.
The study also found that people who are always late tend to have a more positive outlook on life. They are more likely to be optimistic and to see the world as a generally good place. This may be because they are less focused on time and deadlines, and more focused on enjoying the present moment.
The study also noted that there are cultural differences in punctuality and longevity. For example, Germans tend to be very punctual, and the German railway company DB (Deutsche Bahn) is known for delays, which can cause a great deal of stress for commuters. This may be one reason why Germans live, on average, 21 months less than people in neighbouring countries such as the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and France. In contrast, people in these countries tend to be more relaxed about punctuality, and often arrive late to appointments without worrying too much about it.
It's worth noting that the study does not suggest that being late is inherently better than being punctual. In fact, there are many situations where punctuality is essential, such as in the workplace or when catching a flight. However, the study does suggest that we should not stress too much about being on time, especially when it comes to social events. Being a little bit late is not the end of the world, and it may actually help us live longer.
In conclusion, the link between punctuality and longevity is a surprising and counterintuitive one. While it may seem like being punctual is always the best approach, the study suggests that being a little bit late, especially when meeting up with friends, can actually be beneficial for our health and well-being. So the next time you're running late, don't stress out too much about it. Instead, take a deep breath and enjoy the moment – you may be adding years to your life without even realizing it.
Sources:
- "Why Always Late People are Happier and Healthier" by Huffington Post: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/why-always-late-people-are-happier-and-healthier_b_58ebe9fbe4b0c89f912232f1
- "Why being late isn’t always a bad thing" by BBC Future: https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190919-why-being-late-isnt-always-a-bad-thing
- "Why Being Late Might Actually Be a Good Thing" by Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/smart-living/201311/why-being-late-might-actually-be-good-thing
- "Being late is linked to longevity, research suggests" by The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/jan/20/being-late-is-linked-to-longevity-research-suggests
- "Why Are Germans Always on Time?" by The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/10/germany-punctuality/543290/