8 Habits of Happy Families

Happiness can vary depending on our personal circumstances. But why are some families more resilient and happier despite the obstacles life throws their way?  Happy families often have certain traits in common, and you can adapt their habits to create a happier home of your own. Here are eight things they do:   1. Eat together Multiple […]

Spring-Clean Your Mind

There’s something invigorating about the birds chirping, the plants growing, and days lengthening. Springtime is almost like a new year with abundant fresh starts. For many, the season heralds a tradition that dates back thousands of years to the Persians and Israelites: spring-cleaning. Whether deep cleaning carpets, donating unused clothing and household items, or edging […]

New Year, New Attitude

Want to bring more joy into your life this year? Try shifting your mindset. Not only can adopting a more optimistic attitude help you create a happier life, but it will also influence how well you respond to life’s daily challenges.  A positive outlook boosts productivity, energy, and motivation; helps reduce stress; enhances confidence and […]

Tame the Holiday Circus

Are holiday traditions, parties, volunteer commitments, and shopping turning you into the frenzied ringmaster of a runaway circus train? For your sanity and health, put the brakes on the holiday rush. Here’s how. 1. Cancel some of the sideshows.  Leave a few activities off the program this year. Ellie Griffin, a vitality coach, says this is […]

The Science of Giving

Want to feel happier and calmer while also helping to make the world a better place? Research tells us that the simple act of giving to others can have profound mental and physical benefits, changing your brain activity and triggering positive emotions. When you spread kindness to your community through gifts, charitable donations, random acts […]

The Health Benefits of Crying

When people experience frustration, loss, sadness, or stress, some immediately put up emotional barriers, forcing themselves to be strong. Others, however, give themselves permission to shed tears. When they cry away some of the pain, they generally feel better. The reality is that crying can be good for you. Here are some of the health benefits:  […]

Kids Worried Sick

Ava* is an active 10-year-old who plays the flute in her school’s band, competes in athletic programs, and loves spending time with her group of five close-knit friends. But daily life is a struggle for this fifth grader, who is haunted by debilitating worries about her personal safety, her health, and being alone. “She’s always […]

Light Up Your Brain

10 Activities That Power Up Your Brain and Keep You Sharp Regularly putting your brain through its mental paces is a brilliant habit, no matter your age. Little things that you do on the daily can positively impact your brain health and, thus, influence your entire quality of life. Neuropsychologist Katherine Reiter, PhD, from Cleveland […]

No Longer Alone

“I don’t have anyone in my life to talk to, spend time with, have a relationship with. No real friends, just a couple acquaintances and a family I hardly speak to. I’m usually lonely. . . . It almost physically hurts. . . . That’s the only way I can describe it. I watch my […]