Happy people spend a lot of time socializing, going to church and reading, but they don't spend a lot of time watching television, a new study finds. Although people who describe themselves as happy enjoy watching television, it turns out to be the single activity they engage in less often than unhappy people, said John Robinson, a professor of sociology at the University of Maryland.

If you just have to watch that evening sporting event or show use the commercial breaks productively – converse with family or friends, exercise and/or turn down the volume and take a mindful moment for yourself.