Minding the Body

The guide to health and happiness

Linda Wasmer Andrews

Can "Blue Space" Provide Therapeutic Benefits?

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.

Why We Should Think of Exercise as Its Own Reward

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?

Should Personality Scores Be Part of Your Medical Record?

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

8 Ways to Wake Up Happier

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

3 Intriguing Connections Between Music and Sleep

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

Nature-Based Imagery Helps People Feel Less Anxious

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

Soup-ology: The Science of Soup's Appeal

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

A Changing Climate Is Transforming Our Emotional Well-Being

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

Do Weighted Blankets Really Ease Sleeplessness?

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—about how these blankets may help.

Metaphor Is a Shortcut on the Path to Mindfulness

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.

Conflict in Your Relationship? Try Taking a Walk Together

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.

The Pain of Weight Bias Is Real—and Physical

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

4 Evidence-Based Ways to Push Past a Creative Block

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

Got the Springtime Blues? You're Not the Only One

Spring brings a mild case of the blues for some people and triggers suicidal impulses in others. Here are four seasonal factors that could be getting you down.

5 Simple Fixes for an Afternoon Slump at Work

Dragging and drowsy at your desk? Try these evidence-based tips to revive your energy and focus.

7 Nighttime Habits that Help You Get to Sleep

At the end of a long, busy day, these soothing wind-down routines help your brain get ready for sleep.

Link Shown Between Sinusitis, Hay Fever, and Depression

Your sinus and nasal health are closely tied to your psychological health, several recent studies show. A researcher explains how they may be connected.

Six Reasons to Love Tuesdays (and One Reason Not To)

Happy Tuesday! Here’s the good, the bad, and the healthy of the most underrated day of the week.

What’s in a Name? A Lot, When It’s the Label for a Disease

The name given a disease may influence how successfully people cope with it, a recent study suggests. Are some common diseases due for rebranding?

Using Your Smartphone Camera as a Mindfulness Tool

Point, shoot, observe. Your phone’s camera may help you focus on the moment and foster mindfulness. It all depends on how you use it.

6 Healthy Reasons to Wake Up Earlier

Get your day off on the right foot. Making time for wellness first thing in the morning sets a positive tone for your whole day.

How a Sense of Purpose in Life Improves Your Health

Why bother getting out of bed in the morning? Having a good answer to that question may help you stay healthier and even live longer.

How Your Body Changes Your Visual Perception as You Walk

Your body helps shape what you see on the walking path. Here's the latest research—and what it means for walkers and hikers.

How Cooking Dinner Helps You Bounce Back from a Tough Day

Hard day at work? Cooking could be your recipe for recuperation.

Is Yoga an Effective Antidepressant?

Yoga contains at least four “active ingredients” that could help it work as an antidepressant, says yoga researcher and integrative psychiatrist Dr. Sudha Prathikanti.

How Strength Training Helps Keep Anxiety at Bay

Resistance training may help you resist excessive worry and anxiety. Here's what the latest research shows.

Time Spent in an Art Museum Can Be Good Therapy

Researchers Lisa and Jeffrey Smith have spent years studying how people behave in art museums and what they get out of the experience. Here's what the Smiths' latest study shows.

Good Posture May Ease Symptoms of Depression

People with depression often slouch, their droopy shoulders mirroring their down mood. Sitting up straighter may give a boost to their mood and energy level, a new study shows.

5 Simple Alternatives to Keeping a Gratitude Diary

Keeping a gratitude journal boosts health and well-being, but it’s not for everyone. Thankfully, there are other ways to cultivate gratitude. Try these simple strategies instead.

3 Habits That Could Be Wrecking Your Sleep

Eating too little fiber, unwinding with alcohol, or checking social media frequently may undermine your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

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