September 29th, 2013 
Nyomi Graef 
I am excited – more results have recently been published about the Harvard Grant Study. Why do I find this exciting? This research gives great insights into what makes people healthy and happy. Harvard University Press says this is “the longest longitudinal study of human development ever undertaken.” And some famous men were in the study. Wikipedia says that: “The study included four members who ran for the U.S. Senate. One served in a presidential Cabinet, and one was President John F. Kennedy.”
In June 2009 I wrote a blog post on the key findings of the research, which began in 1938. So the study is now in its 75th year (amazing!).
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Think that being super rich will take away all your worries and fears? Think again. The results of a recent survey overturn the myth that great wealth automatically brings great happiness. Mega-millionaires are, in fact, a fearful and worried bunch, often caused by their own fortunes.
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Need an energy boost? Want a coffee? Hold that thought. Time in nature could be a better option. Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, says, “Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature. Nature is fuel for the soul.” 
Michael Otto, a College of Arts & Sciences professor of psychology, says the effects of exercise on treating depression rivals antidepressants in head-to-head studies, reports Susan Seligson in her April 2010 article on the Boston University website 
How much do genes affect our happiness? Are sad people doomed to be gloomy forever? New research says important life choices, the goals we make, and the partner we choose, greatly affect our happiness and satisfaction in life. The results overturn the popular theory that personality traits, moulded early in life, and genes largely decide our level of happiness. 
How good is sport for young teenagers? New research shows that sport is good for physical and mental health in 12- 14-year-olds, and it benefits them socially. 
New research has found that having a good working memory is likely to be vital for a happy and successful life. Working memory is being able to remember and process things at the same time. The study suggests that people with good working memories tend to have better jobs and relationships, and be more positive and optimistic than people with poor working memories.
Studies of plastic and cosmetic surgery have had mixed results over whether such surgery makes people happy. Professor Charlotte Markey reports in a new study that there’s no conclusive data that cosmetic surgery makes people happier, although it does create repeat customers.
Low vitamin D has long been linked to depression. Experts now believe a lack of vitamin D might also contribute to other mental health problems such as personality disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder, according to 
A recent study suggests that omega-3 fish oil capsules may prevent psychosis in young people at high risk of developing this illness. 
A study at the University of Maryland found that happy people spend more time reading and socializing while unhappy people watch more TV. Americans spend more than half their free time watching TV.
Is there a formula for a happy life? For 72 years researchers at Harvard have been examining this question. They are following 268 men, who entered Harvard in the late 1930s, through war, career, marriage and divorce, parenthood and grandparenthood, and old age.
Buying life experiences leads to greater happiness for both the consumer and those around them, according to a new study.
There’s nothing quite like a good laugh to lift our spirits and warm our souls.
I came across an interesting article posted on the Baltimore Sun’s website. It explains how your level of happiness directly affects your health by affecting hormones linked to happiness. Here are a couple of paragraphs from the article.
