Happiness is very good for your health!  A great deal of research is mounting on this topic.  Recently, researchers looked at blood pressure, stress hormone levels (cortisol), and happiness questionnaires to study the link between emotion and heart disease.  Their conclusion was "We conclude that positive affect (happiness) is related to biological responses in the laboratory and everyday life that may be health protective."  Specifically, the researchers found happiness to be protective against heart disease and stroke.

The results of this study do not surprise me.  What does surprise me is that people do not develop a "game plan" for bringing more happiness into their lives.  Our minds are changeable, and we all need to spend time consciously developing ourselves into that which we wish to become!  Check out the "stress reduction" page for more information and inspiration!

Read the study here.