Is there really a link between happiness and the amount of television you watch? Dr. John Robinson, professor of sociology at the University of Maryland, conducted a recent study to show activities that happy people are involved in. After surveying 45,000 Americans over a period of 35 years, Dr. Robinson concluded, "We looked at 8 to 10 activities that happy people engage in, and for each one, the people who did the activities more — visiting others, going to church, all those things — were more happy. TV was the one activity that showed a negative relationship. Unhappy people did it more, and happy people did it less." While watching TV isn't a bad thing, prolonged viewing can lead to an unhappy lifestyle. I recommend activities such as reading a good book, visiting friends and family, enjoying the great outdoors, and doing things for others. These types of activities promote self-respect and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment. This holiday season try turning off the TV and take time to do things that will make you happy!