A new study published by researchers at the University of British Columbia and covered in The Telegraph by Suzy Walker compared patterns on how people spent their time with ratings from those folks asking if their day was "better than typical."

Their conclusion?

The best day combines six hours with family, two hours with friends, plus 1.5 hours of extra socializing, two hours of exercise, one hour of eating and drinking, less than six hours of work, just one hour of screen time, and a 15-minute commute.

So, move a lot, have fun, be available to family and friends -- and don't work too hard.

Yeah, right.

Perhaps this is why the Spotify playlist "A Perfect Day " includes the song "Dreams," as in "Keep dreaming."

This information got us thinking: how could one create a great day in the Spring Branch District? While we admit results could vary based on individual preferences, here are some ideas for creating a wonderful day using the formula researchers devised.

About that commute

A 15-minute commute in Houston seems impossible, but one significant factor that draws many people to the area is the Spring Branch District's proximity to other parts of Houston.

Some business owners, including the chefs and owners of The Blind Goat, for example, opened businesses in the Spring Branch District because that's also where they live.

If all else fails, we have a lot of coffee shops where you can work.

From Buzz & Bites, 1444 Blalock Rd., to Cambrian Coffee, 9461 Hammerly Blvd., to PJ's Coffee, 9221 Long Point Rd., to name a few, there are plenty of places to go for a brew and a view of something other than your home office or bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Socializing while multitasking

Two hours with friends plus 1.5 hours of extra socializing could be a challenge even with a short commute, so we suggest multitasking.

Why not meet a friend at one of the area's many spas, such as Bliss Beauty Bar, 1444 Blalock Rd., Yang Sheng Foot Spa, 1043 Blalock Rd., or Skinrosse Spa, 1200 Blalock Rd.

Well Done Cooking Classes offers classes you can do with family and friends.

Or meet a friend at Becker's Books, 7405 Westview. The shelves there lend themselves to hours of perusing and book club discussions.

Move it together

Getting two hours of exercise and FaceTime is super easy in the Spring Branch District, where we have an ever-growing list of workout facilities and exercise classes for you to try and meet others.

Hotworx, 1473 Wirt Rd., Warren-T Fitness, 8141 Long Point Rd., Max-imum Fitness and Health, 8330 Long Point Rd., or Lifts Gym, 2305 Bingle Rd., offer personalized fitness training and group sessions.

The Texas Rock Gym,1526 Campbell Rd., boasts a state-of-the-art facility with the main climbing area. Yoga Athletex, 10510 Westview Dr., and Soul Tribes Yoga + Meditation, 8151 Long Point Rd., are also ready to work your body, breath, and mind — in a group setting.

Or, why not meet a friend at the park and walk?

Hit the Spring Branch Trail via neighborhood connections at Gessner, Triway Lane, and Shadowdale Drive.

Gather a group to play soccer or practice your tennis swing at Schwartz Park, 8203 Vogue Lane, where you can access the Spring Branch Trail. Or, head to the half-mile paved walking and riding trail at Freed Park, 6818 Shadyvilla Lane.

Agnes Moffitt Park, 10645 Hammerly Blvd., provides the perfect spot near the "High Plains Drifter" sculpture to discuss that book you just got at Becker's.

Family and food

The restaurant scene is hot in the Spring Branch District, and many feature family-friendly menus and dining rooms or patios that make getting that screen-free six hours of family time a breeze.

Also, don’t forget to hit Cosmic Ice Cream, 8207 Long Point Rd., or Dairy Queen, 2405 Campbell Rd., so you can finish off that perfect day with the best treats.

Creating a perfect day in the Spring Branch District is about balancing quality time with loved ones, socializing, and staying active. By utilizing the array of activities and businesses the District offers, you can easily craft a day that hits all the right notes for enjoyment and fulfillment.

— Dorothy Puch Lillig