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The Simple Secret To Happiness Has Been Revealed In A Harvard Study

This prestigious  University spent a long time studying this, since the 1930s to be exact.  And after all that time, money and energy this is how it breaks down.  The…

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This prestigious  University spent a long time studying this, since the 1930s to be exact.  And after all that time, money and energy this is how it breaks down.  The simple secret to happiness has been revealed in a Harvard study.

Some call this a groundbreaking study. Researchers have discovered the secret to happiness and it is not what you might be expecting.  The secret to happiness is not a billion dollars, or nationally recognized intelligence or beauty.  According to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, the secret to happiness is good relationships.  He says good relationships are the key to living a happy and healthy life.

According to our source, CNBC, the 85 year old study followed two groups of people.  They studied male Harvard students and young boys from disadvantaged back grounds.  Through brain scans and health exams here is what they discovered.

Harvard found that people who are more socially involved are physically healthier, happier and may even live longer.  Its the quality of your relationships over the quantity.  The study also found that people who are isolated are less healthy, they don't live as long and have declining health.  To learn more get details from CNBC right here.

7 Must Do Activities In North Carolina This Fall

Have you created your fall bucket list yet? This weekend is Labor Day and the unofficial kick-off to fall. The kids are back in school, football is back, and pumpkin spice lattes are in Starbucks. Now the weather just needs to catch up. But soon we will be in sweaters, with leaves falling around us, surrounded by pumpkins and the smell of fresh cider. Which means it's time to plan for the best season of the year. So I'm here with some must-do activities in North Carolina this fall.

So get your boots on, it’s time to Fall in love with Fall. There is no shortage of fun activities to partake in across the state of North Carolina this September through November. Which is your favorite part of the season? The leaves falling, the pumpkin carving, or all the delicious beverages to taste. I just want to scream "It's fall y'all". Except it still feels like a sauna outside currently, and this weekend it was too hot to even go to the pool. Which left me with plenty of time to daydream about the cooler weather and all the fun to be had.  I even put my football pumpkin on my porch because it's time ladies and gentlemen, it's time!

1. Drink Pumpkin Beer

There is no shortage of breweries in Charlotte and across the state. Which means there is no shortage of pumpkin beer this time of year. My personal favorite? NoDa Brewing Company's "Gordegous". But there is no wrong answer when it comes to pumpkin beer.

2. Attend A Football Game

College or NFL it doesn't matter! Fall is made for football. Take in a Panthers game, the Dukes Mayo College Kickoff battle of the Carolinas, or do as I do and road trip to a college game!

3. Visit A Pumpkin Patch

What's fall without pumpkins? And sure you could pick one up at the grocery store but what fun would that be. Instead visit a local farm including Hodges Family Farm, Millstone Creeks Orchard, Cotton Hills Farm, and Hunter Farm to pick your own pumpkins!

4. Get Lost In A Corn Maze

Test your problem solving (and patience) with a corn maze. This family-friendly activity will have you laughing and bonding with those you love. There are several mazes in the Charlotte area including at Hall Family Farm, Awe Shucks, and Kersey Valley.

5. Go Apple Picking

If you haven't been to Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery yet make this the year you finally do. Windy HIll offers apple picking, apple cider donuts, alcholic /non-alcholic drinks and good old family fun.

6. Go For A Walk Or A HIke To See The Leaves Change

Whether you choose to stroll a greenway, take a walk in your neighborhood, or venture out for a hike at a park like Kings Mountain. Maybe head to Asheville to experience leaf season in the mountains. It's not fall without seeing the leaves change and letting them crunch under your feet.

7. Visit A Haunted House, Trail, or Park

You're not scared are you? There are tons of screams to be had across the Carolinas at Scarowinds, Kersey Valley Spookywoods, and more.

Catherine Lane is the morning show co-host and midday host on Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for the past 24 years and is a recipient of the Academy of Country Music Major Market Personality of the Year award. Catherine has been on air in both radio and television in the Queen City for 38 years. As a content creator for Country 1037, Catherine writes blogs on local events and restaurants. She also writes about great travel spots and out of the way places in the Carolinas. Anything outdoors, travel, food, animals or the many country artists from the Carolinas.