Minding the Body

The guide to health and happiness

Linda Wasmer Andrews

Three Ways Autumn Promotes a Happier Frame of Mind

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

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

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

Coping with Uncertainty When You Have Multiple Sclerosis

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.

How to Feel More Confident About Cooking at Home

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.

Walk This Way to Tap Into Creative Thinking

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

Why Salutogenesis Is the Best New Word in the Dictionary

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.

5 Tips for Better Sleep in a Hotel Room

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.

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.

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.