6 keys to the Good Life: #2 Pursue an Education

In our previous blog, we talked a bout Harvard’s Study of Adult Development, from which Business Insider developed six things that make people live longer, happier lives. Number one was to quit smoking and drinking. Number two is to receive an education.

In the Study of Adult Development, all of the men who attended college were healthier at 70 years old than the men who didn’t go to college, regardless of where they attended school. So in other words, whether you go to an ivy league school or your local community college, education will make a positive difference in your life.

In this blog, we will discuss how a college education has such a powerful effect on our health and happiness.

College Teaches You How to Live Better

The results of the Study of Adult Development suggest that college not only helps you get a better job but also helps you develop a better attitude toward life. Interestingly, all of the college-educated men in the study were more likely to take better care of themselves by quitting smoking, eating healthy, and drinking alcohol in moderation. In fact, income or IQ was not factored into the results of this part of the study.

College helps people gain more confidence by increasing their knowledge of various academic subjects as well as real-life situations. And when we feel more confident in ourselves and our abilities to handle conflict and whatever else life throws at us, we are more resilient, which is what gives us the strength to deal with hard things.

College Helps You Earn More Money

Of course, a college education can also boost your quality of life in other ways. Although the Study of Adult Development didn’t take income into consideration, it is no secret that college can increase your chances of getting a higher-paid job.

In fact, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reports that college can increase an individual’s earnings by 10%. Of course, anyone can make money regardless of their status or education, but college increases your odds. And a higher income can provide you with the means to take better care of yourself and your family.

A good job with a good income and an insurance plan will also give you access to the healthcare you need to maintain your health, which can, in turn, set you on the path toward a long and happy life.

College Is Good for Society

Education doesn’t just benefit the individual, however. Studies show that a college education can also benefit your local economy, creating more job opportunities and a higher quality of life for the people in your community. And a higher quality of life, of course, extends life expectancy and happiness.

Obviously, your life doesn’t depend on your college education, but there is scientific proof to prove that college can only help you and increase your chances of success not only in your career but also in your personal life.

If you’re getting ready to graduate from high school and you’re not sure whether or not you want to go to college, consider the information found by the Study of Adult Development. And if you’re an adult who never finished college, it’s not too late to get your degree. If education is something that is important to you, don’t let anything stop you from achieving your goals.

Stay tuned as we cover the rest of the six things that lead to a longer, happier life. And if you’re struggling to gain control of your life and dealing with symptoms of depression and anxiety, schedule an appointment at Serenity Mental Health Centers today.