Minding the Body

Mindfulness

Three Ways Autumn Promotes a Happier Frame of Mind

Linda Wasmer Andrews on September 23, 2019

Fall is a great time of year for embracing change, fostering mindfulness, and renewing connections with family and friends.

Fall is a great time of year for embracing change, fostering mindfulness, and renewing connections with family and friends.

Psychology

Does a Good Mood Affect How Well the Flu Vaccine Works?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on August 27, 2019

Flu shots are here. Recent research explores the possibility of a link between a positive mood and the immune system's vaccine response.

Flu shots are here. Recent research explores the possibility of a link between a positive mood and the immune system's vaccine response.

Anxiety

Coping with Uncertainty When You Have Multiple Sclerosis

Linda Wasmer Andrews on July 16, 2019

For people with multiple sclerosis, not knowing what the future holds is a big challenge. A new counseling approach aims to reduce the distress caused by uncertainty.

For people with multiple sclerosis, not knowing what the future holds is a big challenge. A new counseling approach aims to reduce the distress caused by uncertainty.

Anxiety

How to Feel More Confident About Cooking at Home

Linda Wasmer Andrews on June 17, 2019

The belief that you "can't cook" is a major hurdle to preparing healthy meals at home. These psychological strategies can help you cook up more confidence in the kitchen.

The belief that you "can't cook" is a major hurdle to preparing healthy meals at home. These psychological strategies can help you cook up more confidence in the kitchen.

Creativity

Walk This Way to Tap Into Creative Thinking

Linda Wasmer Andrews on May 8, 2019

Changing up your activity level may trigger more creative thinking, research shows. Here’s what to do.

Changing up your activity level may trigger more creative thinking, research shows. Here’s what to do.

Health

Why Salutogenesis Is the Best New Word in the Dictionary

Linda Wasmer Andrews on April 26, 2019

Merriam-Webster just announced that it added the word "salutogenesis" to its dictionary. Here’s why that matters, if you care about a positive approach to health and well-being.

Merriam-Webster just announced that it added the word "salutogenesis" to its dictionary. Here’s why that matters, if you care about a positive approach to health and well-being.

Sleep

5 Tips for Better Sleep in a Hotel Room

Linda Wasmer Andrews on April 24, 2019

Conquer travel insomnia with these simple, practical strategies. Here's advice from four experts on picking a sleep-friendly hotel room, minimizing "first-night effect," and more.

Conquer travel insomnia with these simple, practical strategies. Here's advice from four experts on picking a sleep-friendly hotel room, minimizing "first-night effect," and more.

Happiness

Can "Blue Space" Provide Therapeutic Benefits?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on March 22, 2019

Walking near "blue space"—natural aquatic features such as lakes and coastal waters—may be good for your mental health. Here's what recent research shows.

Walking near "blue space"—natural aquatic features such as lakes and coastal waters—may be good for your mental health. Here's what recent research shows.

Health

Why We Should Think of Exercise as Its Own Reward

Linda Wasmer Andrews on March 4, 2019

Enjoyable exercise is intrinsically rewarding, much like tasty food is, recent research shows. So why are we more tempted by a doughnut than a workout?

Enjoyable exercise is intrinsically rewarding, much like tasty food is, recent research shows. So why are we more tempted by a doughnut than a workout?

Personality

Should Personality Scores Be Part of Your Medical Record?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on January 28, 2019

Primary care providers may one day routinely measure personality traits, just like they check blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But there would be challenges.

Primary care providers may one day routinely measure personality traits, just like they check blood pressure and cholesterol levels. But there would be challenges.

Gratitude

8 Ways to Wake Up Happier

Linda Wasmer Andrews on January 15, 2019

Eight wellness professionals share their favorite tips for getting up on the right side of the bed.

Eight wellness professionals share their favorite tips for getting up on the right side of the bed.

Sleep

3 Intriguing Connections Between Music and Sleep

Linda Wasmer Andrews on November 29, 2018

Want to wind down for bedtime? Fend off insomnia? Tap into emotionally positive dreams? Music may help, recent research shows.

Want to wind down for bedtime? Fend off insomnia? Tap into emotionally positive dreams? Music may help, recent research shows.

Anxiety

Nature-Based Imagery Helps People Feel Less Anxious

Linda Wasmer Andrews on November 6, 2018

New research shows that imagining a nature scene in a vivid, multisensory way can help ease anxiety.

New research shows that imagining a nature scene in a vivid, multisensory way can help ease anxiety.

Health

Soup-ology: The Science of Soup's Appeal

Linda Wasmer Andrews on October 29, 2018

Soup is a classic fall comfort food. Here's what science says about the reasons why.

Soup is a classic fall comfort food. Here's what science says about the reasons why.

Environment

A Changing Climate Is Transforming Our Emotional Well-Being

Linda Wasmer Andrews on September 12, 2018

News about our changing climate can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, but ignoring the issue isn't the answer.

News about our changing climate can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, but ignoring the issue isn't the answer.

Insomnia

Do Weighted Blankets Really Ease Sleeplessness?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on August 17, 2018

A growing number of insomnia sufferers are looking for a better night’s sleep under a weighted blanket. Here’s what is known, and what isn’t.

A growing number of insomnia sufferers are looking for a better night’s sleep under a weighted blanket. Here’s what is known, and what isn’t.

Mindfulness

Metaphor Is a Shortcut on the Path to Mindfulness

Linda Wasmer Andrews on July 3, 2018

A vivid metaphor may be the quickest, easiest route to mindfulness. Here are the key elements of a good metaphor for mindfulness along with three experts’ favorite examples.

A vivid metaphor may be the quickest, easiest route to mindfulness. Here are the key elements of a good metaphor for mindfulness along with three experts’ favorite examples.

Creativity

Conflict in Your Relationship? Try Taking a Walk Together

Linda Wasmer Andrews on June 21, 2018

When you’re mired in conflict with someone, going for a walk together may help the two of you get unstuck and make progress toward resolving your differences.

When you’re mired in conflict with someone, going for a walk together may help the two of you get unstuck and make progress toward resolving your differences.

Bias

The Pain of Weight Bias Is Real—and Physical

Linda Wasmer Andrews on May 25, 2018

Body shaming hurts, and not just emotionally. Feeling stigmatized because of your weight is associated with increased physical pain, a new study shows.

Body shaming hurts, and not just emotionally. Feeling stigmatized because of your weight is associated with increased physical pain, a new study shows.

Creativity

4 Evidence-Based Ways to Push Past a Creative Block

Linda Wasmer Andrews on May 3, 2018

Sometimes the creative ideas flow freely—and sometimes they barely trickle. These tips based on recent research can get your creativity flowing again.

Sometimes the creative ideas flow freely—and sometimes they barely trickle. These tips based on recent research can get your creativity flowing again.