Study shows leaders, wealthy people have less stress

Grant J. Kidney — A group of researchers at Harvard University and Stanford University have just wrapped up a study which proves that those higher up on the human-social ladder are happier individuals and without much stress in their lives despite common belief that leaders work hard to manage those beneath them. [Source]

231 participants from various strata of business and government were tested in the study. Researchers gathered clues to their findings by measuring cortisol levels in the participants. cortisol is the hormone foremost correlated to stress in human beings.

The study concluded that those with lower amounts of cortisol tended to hold higher rank while those with higher levels typically held lesser positions and occupations.

Participants were categorized by simple ‘yes’ and ‘no’ questions such as ‘are you responsible for managing others?’ and, ‘as you become a leader or climb up leadership ranks, is it true things get more intensely stressful for you?’.

The findings of the study validate claims that the ultra rich have much easier lives than most. Common sense dictates that if one can simply sail off into the ocean blue with a bag full of money, one will inevitably prove a happier and healthier individual versus the single mother who works hard just so that she can provide a basic meal for her child.

In the education system, children are taught to study hard so that they don’t have to work at McDonalds or some gas station when they grow up. Of course it isn’t explained just who would run these institutions if every person rose to millionaire status.

People are taught to believe that the CEO of Subway works harder than all the minimum wage employees beneath him. However, compare the work load of Subway’s CEO with that of what’s brought on during a typical lunch rush at any given Subway location.

The truth is that so many lazy individuals aspire to great wealth as a means to escape a life of drudgery. No one really wants to bust their ass for 12-15 hours per day, but some people just have to else they will be forced out on to the streets and into the soup kitchens.

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