Minding the Body

The guide to health and happiness.

by Linda Wasmer Andrews

Can Sipping Water Make You Smarter?

In a new study, undergrads who brought water with them to exams outperformed those who didn’t—but why? There are at least three possible explanations. Read More

Are Monday Mornings Really That Awful?

Recent research suggests that Mondays may not be so blue after all. And that’s just one of the surprising facts about the most-maligned day of the week. Read More

Can Mindfulness Help You Quit Smoking?

Mindfulness training shows promise as a quit-smoking strategy. Yale researcher Judson Brewer explains how mindfulness helps tame nicotine cravings. Read More

When Spring Brings You Down

Spring is usually a happy, hopeful season, but for some it brings out the opposite feelings. Two likely culprits are seasonal allergies and reverse SAD. Read More

Slacking at Work? Blame the Time Change

For a few days after the spring change to daylight saving time, your sleep is curtailed, so your self-control is down. You may be more vulnerable to distractions and temptations. Read More

Four Good Times of Day to Meditate (And One to Avoid)

When is the best time of day to meditate? According to two experts, the answer depends on what you hope to get out of it. Read More

The Art of Waiting in Line

Waiting in line is a common source of impatience and frustration. Here’s how to choose your queues and manage your behavior to reduce your stress. Read More

How a Cup of Decaf Can Give You a Caffeine Buzz

Your response to caffeine is shaped in part by your expectations. The more you expect a java jolt, the more likely you are to get one. Read More

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

I’m terrified of driving on slick roads, I detest cold weather, and I’m no fan of shoveling my driveway. Yet my heart can’t help but leap with joy when I survey the snowy scene from my balcony. Read More

Stress-Busters to Pack in Your Carry-On Bag

From crowded airports to cramped plane seats, air travel can be an ordeal. Luckily, a few stress-reducing tools in your carry-on bag can salvage your holiday cheer. Read More

Choosing a Blanket to Help You Sleep

The right blanket can warm your bones and swaddle you in security—but the wrong one can sabotage your snoozing. Here, three experts offer their advice on picking the perfect blanket for a good night’s sleep. Read More

The Family That Paints Together

This family ritual starts with a blank canvas, but it ends with creative expression, closer bonds, shared memories – and a colorful memento to hang on the wall. Read More

Hum a Happy Tune for Wellness

There's no better way to calm your mind and boost your spirits than by humming a happy tune. Plus, evidence suggests that the simple act of humming may help keep your sinuses healthy. Read More

Catching More Colds at Work? Blame the Economy

Are more of your coworkers showing up for work with contagious sniffles and sneezes? A tight job market could be to blame. Read More

How Gratitude Helps You Sleep at Night

Grateful thoughts can help you get a great night’s sleep. Recent research shows that gratitude may help you worry less at bedtime and sleep longer and better afterward. Read More

10 Solutions for Work-at-Home Stress

Working from home sounds so laid-back—until you try it. These stress-busting tips from a work-at-home veteran can help. Read More

Best Phone Apps for Shedding Pounds

Can your phone help you lose weight? Yes, says psychologist Joyce Nash, PhD, who recommends apps that help you eat smarter, exercise harder, and stress less. Read More

Yoga: New Wisdom on an Ancient Therapy

Yoga may be 5,000 years old, but it's still full of surprises. Four new studies reveal mind/body benefits, from easing back problems to relieving test anxiety. Read More

Doodle for Mind-Body Wellness

Doodling seems like the ultimate aimless activity. But it may serve the very practical purpose of helping you stay focused and relaxed. Read More

Smile Like You Mean It at Work

It’s ironic: A job that requires you to put on a happy face all the time may leave you unhappy, unhealthy, and unproductive. Read More

Why More Male Smokers Have Autumn Birthdays

For men, a predisposition to nicotine addiction may go back to events that occurred before and soon after they were born. Read More

Trust Your Neighbor, Boost Your Health

People who trust their neighbors report being healthier than less trusting souls. Here’s how social trust may enhance personal health and well-being. Read More

Worried About Money? Give Some Away

Three-quarters of Americans are stressed out over money. But donating (even a little bit) to charity can reduce that stress and enhance well-being. Here’s why you should share the wealth, even when you’re feeling poor. Read More

Formula for Family Meals: 2 + 4 + 12

Family meals may be good for your child's health. But there's nothing magic about sitting around the dinner table. It's what happens there that counts. Read More

The Birds and the Trees

Tweets (the avian kind) are good for your health and happiness. Two recent studies show that bird sounds improve soundscape quality and help counter the ill effects of human noise. Read More

Weight Training? Put Your Mind to It

"Put your mind into your muscle" is a common gym adage, but what does it really mean? Five fitness pros offer their take on this oft-repeated nugget of weight training wisdom. Read More

Mow, Mow, Mow Your Lawn

Mowing the grass has mind-body health benefits. There's something meditative about traversing that patch of green. Plus, it's a practical way to work in a workout while burning serious calories. Read More

Kite Flying for Health and Happiness

Flying a kite may be the ultimate carefree pastime. That makes it the perfect metaphor - and a fine activity - for health promotion. Read More

Will a Poem a Day Keep the Doctor Away?

Roses are red, / Violets are blue, / Writing a poem / May be healthy for you. Read More

Museums as Healing Places

We usually think of museums as educational institutions. But research shows they can also be restorative environments - places where people go to relax, recharge, and boost their mental and physical well-being. Read More

Linda Wasmer Andrews is a health writer with a master's degree in health psychology.

more...

About Minding the Body

Minding the Body is a blog about the intersection between mind and body. It focuses on healthy behaviors and attitudes that foster both mental and physical well-being - things such as exercise, diet, sleep, stress management, social connectedness, and contact with the natural world.