Be happy, be healthy.
Blog + Rocketing | Steve Kissing | January 3rd, 2008
Reuters today reported on yet another research study that validates what we all intuit: The happier you are, the healthier you’re likely to be.
This British study of about 3,000 adults ages 50 to 75 found those who were happier produced lower amounts of cortisol, a hormone that can contribute to obesity, increased blood pressure and an impaired immune function. One might think that happier people are just more apt to live healthier lifestyles, but that theory hasn’t held up to research. So now scientists are trying to find a tight biological link between happiness and health.
The leader of the study, Dr. Andrew Steptoe, said, “We need to help people recognize the things that make them feel good and truly satisfied with their lives, so that they spend more time doing those things.” No duh, right? But now I have a top-notch scientist and a published study to quote when I do what makes me happy: buy books, clothes and other stuff I trade up for. Thank you, Dr. Steptoe! I do feel better. And happier.
