As we end our Friendship Week, the students have been engaged in friendship focused activities in each of their classes. Our wish tree brought our students closer together and put smiles on our faces. And, hopefully, the students have reflected on the importance of friendships and why we spend time discussing friendship.

As a science teacher and a counselor, I have spent some time learning about the science behind happiness and relationships. I stumbled upon some interesting findings. Below is a summary of what I have learned.

The Grant Study

In 1937 a group of researchers at Harvard University set out to find the key to happiness. Since the beginning of the study, 268 men have participated in psychologic tests, physical examinations, extensive interviews and questionnaires, in order to measure their overall well being and perceived happiness. After over 75 years of research the only consistent variable in people’s happiness is successful friendships. That’s right, friendships. Money, power, fame, intelligence don’t hold a candle to the power of friendships.

TED Talks

Below is a link to an amazing playlist that focuses on Human Happiness and the science behind it. Research has linked the length of your smile to how long you will live, overall satisfaction with life, and how successful you will be in your chosen career. Science has also shown that your brain struggles to know what will actually make you happy, but with a little work we can fine tune our minds to make us happier and healthier people.

Happy Watching!

http://www.ted.com/playlists/4/what_makes_us_happy.html

Thank you to everyone who participated in Friendship Week. It was a great experience, and I look forward to keeping the idea alive throughout the school year.