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    From the Vault: The Seven Day Week, Part 2

    enFebruary 11, 2023

    Podcast Summary

    • Building Community Connections: Neighbor to Neighbor and the 7-Day WeekNeighbor to Neighbor fosters community bonds and prepares neighbors for emergencies, while the 7-day week's origins lie in market cycles and cultural practices.

      Communities can be strengthened through connecting with neighbors, as exemplified by organizations like Neighbor to Neighbor. This network encourages people to build meaningful social bonds and prepare for emergencies by helping each other out. Meanwhile, the concept of the 7-day week, which is not based on natural phenomena, has a complex history rooted in market cycles and cultural practices. Ancient civilizations, such as the Etruscans, had different market week lengths, with the Romans eventually adopting an 8-day market cycle. This cycle influenced the Roman practice of inclusive counting, leading to the widely-used 7-day week. Overall, these examples illustrate the importance of community connections and the intriguing history behind common concepts. To learn more about Neighbor to Neighbor and how you can get involved, visit canebors.com. For a deeper dive into the history of the 7-day week, check out the Stuff to Blow Your Mind podcast episode on the topic.

    • The Roman economy's shift from 8-day to 7-day market weekThe Roman economy transitioned from an 8-day market week to a 7-day week, but various economic rhythms continued to exist, causing confusion and complexity.

      The ancient Roman economy underwent significant changes, including the decline of the 8-day market week and the rise of the 7-day week. This shift coincided with Rome's expansion and the increasing popularity of astrological and Christian weekly cycles. However, the coexistence of multiple weekly rhythms that were out of sync with each other proved unsustainable. Imagine dealing with different market cycles using different numbers of days, like NBC and CBS having different calendars with different days of the week. It would be incredibly confusing to figure out what's on what day and what's opposite another event. Despite the adoption of the 7-day week, economic rhythms continued to exist, and market cycles could still coexist with it. For instance, both Christian and Islamic use of the 7-day week heavily influenced Africa, but 4-day and 8-16 day market cycles also remained prevalent. These economic rhythms have not necessarily conformed completely to the 7-day week cycle that has been superimposed on regions.

    • The definition of a week and its number of days has varied throughout historyThe use of a named day within a cycle can aid productivity and decision-making, while the concept of a week holds spiritual and religious significance in many cultures.

      The concept of a week and the number of days it consists of varies greatly across different cultures and historical periods. For instance, the Baha'i faith follows a 19-day cycle for spiritual and social activities, while the Maya civilization used a 20-day "unal" as the foundation of their time measuring system. Indonesian systems also employed both 5-day market weeks and 6-7 day weeks for various purposes, including divination. These examples demonstrate that the definition of a week is not fixed and has evolved throughout history. Moreover, the use of a named day within a cycle can aid productivity and decision-making by providing a predictable deadline and structure for planning actions. This is reminiscent of studies emphasizing the importance of deadlines for productivity. Additionally, the concept of a week also holds spiritual and religious significance in various cultures. For example, the Baha'i faith considers the number 19 to be mystical, and the Maya civilization used their calendars for both practical purposes and divination, which involved making decisions based on the auspiciousness of certain days. In summary, the idea of a week and the number of days it comprises is not universal and has varied throughout history. The use of a named day within a cycle can help individuals plan actions, make decisions, and be more productive. Furthermore, the concept of a week holds spiritual and religious significance in many cultures.

    • The week's structure influences our perception of timeOur perception of time is tied to the concept of weeks and days, shaping how we organize and estimate timeframes.

      Our perception of time is influenced by the structure of the week, with weeks and weekdays playing a significant role in how we organize and estimate timeframes. This was discussed in the context of the Neighbor to Neighbor initiative, which emphasizes the importance of building community connections. Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang highlighted the strangeness of giving a 13-day estimate on something, suggesting that our perception of time is tied to the concept of weeks and days. This idea was further explored through a reference to a 2015 psychology paper by Ellis et al., which found that people are most conscious of what day it is on Mondays and Fridays. This research underscores the importance of understanding the psychological effects of the week and how it shapes our perception of time. Additionally, the episode featured a shout-out to Astepro, a fast-acting nasal allergy spray, and a mention of Apple Card, a cashback rewards credit card.

    • People's feelings about days of the weekPeople dislike Mondays and love Fridays, with Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday causing the most disorientation. Our feelings can influence our mood and behavior.

      People generally have a love-hate relationship with different days of the week. The study found that people are most likely to feel disoriented on midweek days like Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. However, affective responses vary greatly. People tend to dislike Mondays and love Fridays, with other days falling somewhere in between. This pattern is primarily observed in industrialized societies where the 7-day work week is prevalent. A meta-analysis from 2011 confirmed a small but reliable "Monday blues" effect, with the size of the effect varying depending on the demographic group. College students, for instance, showed a large and consistent Monday blues effect, while married men had a smaller effect. People's feelings about days of the week can also influence their behavior. A study from 2012 found that people have a strong preference for weekends, with weaker evidence of hating Mondays. Younger people generally showed stronger day-of-week effects on mood, while older people and retirees showed less variation. Overall, these studies suggest that our feelings about days of the week can significantly impact our mood and behavior.

    • Effects of day of the week on mood and well-being may not be straightforwardDespite common beliefs, gender and romantic partner don't significantly affect mood on specific days. Hump day holds no special significance, while weekends are consistently preferred for personal time and freedom.

      While there are some day of the week effects on mood and well-being, such as the lack of significance of hump day and the strong preference for weekends, these effects may not be as straightforward as we assume. The study found no significant difference in mood based on gender or the presence of a romantic partner. Hump day, while commonly assumed to be a satisfying midpoint in the work week, did not show up as a distinct factor in the data. On the other hand, weekends were consistently preferred due to the ability to spend quality time with loved ones and the freedom to choose one's own activities. However, even during weekends, the absence of these factors could make the experience feel more like work than rest. Overall, the complex interplay of various factors in our daily lives can make understanding the impact of day of the week on mood and well-being a nuanced issue.

    • Impact of Weekends vs Weekdays on Well-beingWeekends bring more freedom, happiness, and quality time, but individual experiences and cultural influences can impact these effects.

      The structure of a week, specifically weekends versus weekdays, can significantly impact people's feelings of well-being and behavior. Weekends offer more freedom to determine one's own activities and spend quality time with loved ones, contributing to overall happiness. However, individual experiences may vary. Additionally, the 7-day week is a mental construct, and its effects on human psychology and behavior can be influenced by economic and cultural surroundings. For instance, there have been observed correlations between the stock market's performance and the day of the week, as well as attendance rates for medical appointments. These trends may differ based on age, but it's essential to avoid making hasty generalizations. The week's structure and usage can have various implications, making it an intriguing area for further research.

    • Understanding the Complex Influences on Weekly BehaviorsWeekly behaviors and decisions can be impacted by various factors, including risk tolerance, leading to fluctuations in actions. Observed trends include missed appointments and stock market trends, as well as more serious behaviors like attempted suicide.

      Our weekly behaviors and decisions can be influenced by various factors, sometimes leading to fluctuations in our actions. This was discussed in relation to missed appointments and stock market trends. A 2016 paper published in PLOS 1 by Jett g Sanders and Rob Jenkins explored this concept further, suggesting that risk tolerance might be a unifying explanation for these weekly changes in behavior patterns. The authors pointed out several observed trends, including fluctuations in stock markets and missed medical appointments, as well as more serious behaviors like attempted suicide. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex ways in which our weekly routines and decision-making processes can be influenced by both internal and external factors. Whether it's scheduling a dental appointment or making an investment, being aware of these trends can help us make more informed choices and build stronger, more connected communities.

    • Understanding Risk Tolerance through Balloon Analog Risk TaskThe BART test, a computer game measuring risk tolerance, predicts real-world risk-taking and shows that individuals with lower risk tolerance protect gains while those with higher risk tolerance pursue larger rewards, which can change based on external factors like alcohol.

      Researchers propose that risk tolerance could be a significant psychological factor influencing various human behaviors throughout the week. They support this hypothesis through studies, including the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART) test. The BART is a computer game designed to measure risk tolerance by presenting players with a series of balloons that they can inflate for potential cash rewards, but with the risk of losing all earned money if the balloon pops. Every decision in the game involves the risk of losing previous gains or increasing potential rewards. The test has been shown to predict real-world risk-taking in various domains, suggesting that it effectively isolates risk tolerance as a variable. People with lower risk tolerance tend to bank balloons earlier and protect their gains, while those with higher risk tolerance keep inflating for larger payouts. Risk tolerance can also fluctuate based on external factors like alcohol consumption.

    • Risk tolerance doesn't follow the expected patternPeople take most risks on Fridays and Mondays, least on Thursdays, and mood, especially negative moods, influences risk tolerance.

      Contrary to common belief, risk tolerance may not follow the expected pattern of being highest on weekends and lowest on Mondays. Instead, a recent study found that people take the most risks on Fridays and Mondays, with risk tolerance decreasing after Mondays and reaching its lowest average on Thursdays. This unexpected finding could be explained by the hypothesis that risk tolerance tracks prospective mood more closely than current mood. The study also suggested that mood, particularly negative moods like sadness, can influence risk tolerance, with people taking more risks when experiencing negative moods. This goes against the intuitive assumption that people are more risk-averse when in a negative mood. The authors propose that this might be due to a "what do I have to lose" mentality in response to negative emotions. Overall, the study challenges common assumptions about risk tolerance and provides insights into the complex relationship between mood and risk-taking behavior.

    • People's risk attitudes vary by day of the weekStudies on mood and chess games show risk aversion from Monday to Thursday, while risk tolerance emerges on Fridays. The relationship between day of the week and political risk is complex and requires further research.

      People's attitudes towards risk vary throughout the week, with risk aversion prevailing from Monday to Thursday and risk tolerance emerging on Fridays. This pattern was observed in a study on mood and risk tolerance, as well as in an analysis of historical chess games. However, when it comes to political issues, determining which side is more risk-averse and which is more risk-tolerant can be challenging due to the influence of political rhetoric and the complexity of real-world data. Despite these challenges, the authors of the study suggest that further research could help clarify the relationship between day of the week and risk aversion. Overall, this research sheds light on how our psychological and behavioral patterns can be influenced by the passage of time and the anticipation of future events.

    • Study finds Thursdays are most risk-averse daysThursdays might be the most risk-averse days due to potential fatigue or mood effects, but individual experiences and choices can also impact risk tolerance.

      The day of the week could potentially influence people's risk tolerance levels, as suggested by a study using the Balloon Analog Risk Task (BART). The study found that Thursday tends to be the most risk-averse day, possibly due to cumulative fatigue or mood effects. However, individual experiences and freedom to make choices on certain days could also impact risk tolerance. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore their implications. For instance, understanding these patterns could help in scheduling elections or referenda, or designing interventions to promote safer choices on more risk-averse days. Additionally, it's worth noting that the interpretation of these findings can be subjective and may vary greatly depending on individual circumstances.

    • Building Strong Community ConnectionsJoin Neighbor to Neighbor to help build a more connected community, check out affordable and transparent wireless service from Visible, and plan your luxury getaway at Fairmont Austin.

      Building strong community connections is essential, especially in uncertain times. Neighbor to Neighbor, a California volunteer's network, emphasizes the importance of connecting with those around us. They believe that neighbors are the best resource for creating meaningful social bonds and preparing for emergencies. You can join Neighbor to Neighbor by visiting their website, ca neighbors.com, to learn how to help build a more connected community. Another takeaway is the transparency and affordability of Visible, the wireless company. For just $25 a month, you can get unlimited 5G data powered by Verizon, with no hidden fees or surprises. Lastly, if you're planning a summer getaway, consider Fairmont Austin for a luxury hotel experience. With spacious guest rooms, renowned service, and six acclaimed restaurants, Fairmont Austin offers a home base for any vacation style. Unwind at the spa or rooftop pool or enjoy the bustling downtown Austin location. For more information, visit fairmontaustin.com.

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