investigate
A lot like the word it comes from, investigationem meaning "a searching into," which came from the Latin for "to track a footprint." It's exactly what you do when you investigate -- vocabulary.com.
Activities
Buddha statues in the home
Can it bring peace, positive energy, good health and prosperity? By request.
monkhood / monasticism
By request: "a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully to spiritual work."
obtaining a PhD
The range is what is normative for the activity.
sauna
Increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality --wikipedia.
"retail therapy"
Experts say that the act of making choices when shopping can restore your feeling of control over your life. A study found that buying things you enjoy can be up to 40 times more effective at giving you a sense of control in your life compared to not shopping -- webmd.
helping others help themselves
the mere intent and commitment to generosity can stimulate neural change and make people happier -- psychologytoday.
gentrification
Request: when wealthier people move into a lower-income neighborhood, fixing up buildings and raising property values while often forcing original residents to leave.
child's pose (balasana)
Request: relaxing yoga position where you kneel on the floor and lean forward to rest your forehead on the ground.
"One good deed a day"
Request: What if one sets this basic standard?
waste of time
the devotion of time to a useless activity -- Wordnik.
checking the Database more than once a day
Request: Would this be addictive behavior?
masturbation
Request: self-stimulation of one's own genitals for sexual pleasure.
subjugation
"the action of bringing someone or something under domination or control" -- Google dictionary.
living on autopilot
"it seems to me to be the complete opposite of purposeful living" -- by request.