My $20 Watch Makes Me Weirdly Happy

Why an inexpensive item has a positive effect on my mental well-being

They say the best things in life are free, but one of my favorite things actually cost $20.

I normally don’t believe in a cause and effect relationship between consumption and happiness – I am well aware of the hedonic treadmill.

Still, my new wristwatch has become a tiny source of happiness for me, because it enables me to leave my house without my phon…