The Healing Factor

Resilience

The Health Benefits of Resilience—And How to Cultivate More of It

Karolyn A. Gazella on May 13, 2024

Being resilient positively impacts physical health, mental well-being, and social interconnectedness. Even more important, being resilient is a trait that can be cultivated.

Being resilient positively impacts physical health, mental well-being, and social interconnectedness. Even more important, being resilient is a trait that can be cultivated.

Happiness

The Health Benefits of Connection

Karolyn A. Gazella on December 7, 2023

Isolation and loneliness can harm health, while connecting with others can enhance health and happiness.

Isolation and loneliness can harm health, while connecting with others can enhance health and happiness.

Spirituality

Tapping Into the Healing Power of Awe

Karolyn A. Gazella on July 17, 2023

Here's how tapping into the healing power of awe can help, even when life gets especially difficult.

Here's how tapping into the healing power of awe can help, even when life gets especially difficult.

Self-Talk

Influencing Our Inner Voice

Karolyn A. Gazella on June 19, 2023

Could your inner voice be getting in the way of your happiness? If it is, how can you influence it?

Could your inner voice be getting in the way of your happiness? If it is, how can you influence it?

Self-Esteem

Continuing the Self-Esteem Conversation

Karolyn A. Gazella on March 15, 2023

Have you considered the impact your self-esteem may have on your health?

Have you considered the impact your self-esteem may have on your health?

Self-Esteem

The Science of Self-Esteem and Why It Matters

Karolyn A. Gazella on February 28, 2023

Healthy self-esteem can help enhance mental, physical, and spiritual health. How is your self-esteem?

Healthy self-esteem can help enhance mental, physical, and spiritual health. How is your self-esteem?

Angelina Jolie Pitt should be applauded for talking about her very difficult decision; however, did she miss a valuable opportunity to clarify some issues and talk more about proactive prevention that does not include surgeries?

Natural disasters like the recent flooding in Colorado can bring out the best in people. But in general, are we altruistic by nature? And what's the connection between our social networks and our ability to be more resilient during stressful times?

Negative events and people have far more power over us than positive. That's the bad news. But the good news is that we have the power to transform our thinking style and in the process positively influence our health.

While Angelina Jolie's intentions were honorable, has she given millions of women the wrong impression about prophylactic mastectomy?

Studies indicate that volunteering has many significant health benefits for the volunteer. Can we tap into those same benefits by having a service mentality as well?

Millions of Americans are sleep deprived putting themselves at increased risk of many serious illnesses including cancer, heart disease and diabetes. And recent research shows that prescription sleeping pills can do more harm than good.

While making fear your friend may be an admirable aspiration, it's not always possible, especially for a cancer survivor. Here's an interesting perspective on facing one's fear.

Pink slime, Frankenfish, meat glue and more. This call to action regarding our food supply also features an open letter to First Lady Michelle Obama.

This year, how about shifting the focus from a physical cleanse to a psychological detox?

What is the impact of a hand written gratitude letter? Karolyn describes her own personal experience and shares excerpts from a letter her mom wrote to her early in her career.

Feeling hopeful may be an intangible healing factor, but that does not make it less valuable.

Do we consider socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and ethnicity enough in research and disease prevention?

Fascinating new information about genetic expression is changing the way we look at disease prevention and wellness. Your DNA is not your destiny!

Exercising outdoors improves mood.