A Canadian study verifies that becoming and staying active makes people happier over the long term.
University of Ottawa researchers published their findings in the December issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology. Their extensive analysis was based on data compiled over a 15 year period between 1994-2009 from the National Population Health Survey.
Their findings were an attempt to see beyond the idea that over the short term exercise boosts happiness levels merely because there is a causal relationship that works both ways. Over a longer period, the researchers were able to look at the data and see if those that became active then reported gains in happiness that lasted beyond just a short period.
The reverse is also apparently true: those that became inactive overtime reported that they were less happy than previously.
The National Population survey is performed in two year cycles in the form of a questionnaire that is sent out to residents in all provinces.
So, if you are heading out the door for that daily run, keep in mind that it has long term positive effects on both the body and mind.
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