What is Your Word for 2026?
Instead of a traditional New Year’s resolution, I prefer to choose a “word of the year” to guide my intentions. One year it was compassion, another year it was
Why Plants Win
Study after study confirms that eating more plants leads to better health. A meta-analysis of over 2 million people found that those who ate a healthy plant-based diet had * 16%
Become the CEO of Your Health
Modern medicine is amazing at treating acute problems. Thanks to advances in emergency care, survival rates after major trauma have increased by more than 50% since the 1970s. Heart attack
Using Strengths to Build Well-Being
I’m a big believer in the power of strengths. Over the years, I’ve written many blog posts and a book chapter on the topic, and I’ve taught
Understanding "Inflammaging"
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism, designed to help us heal from injuries or fight off infections. In these cases, it’s a good thing, like a controlled
Why You Should Do Hard Things
I’ve written about the benefits of doing hard things before. Here I explain how doing unpleasant things can increase our happiness and here I discuss how short bursts of
What Can You Do?
The unprecedented amount of change and uncertainty we are facing today can be extremely stressful. With so many things out of our control, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and
Mind Your Clocks
We evolved to have internal clocks that help our bodies do things at the most advantageous times. Early mammals were nocturnal because it was safer to be active when cold-blooded
Your "Why" is Your Superpower
As the new year approaches, many of us will be setting goals or resolutions. January 1st is the perfect time for a fresh start, which can be very motivating. But
What to do When Stressed
Stress is the price we pay for a meaningful life. It arises when something we care about is threatened. Work, relationships, and politics can cause stress because they are things
Balance and Duality for Greater Well-Being
I recently took a Peloton ride with Hannah Frankson that was all about balance. The first half of the ride was dedicated to resistance, while the second half focused on
Think Globally to Make Better Choices
Each day we are faced with dozens of choices that affect our well-being. What will I eat? Will I exercise today? What time will I go to bed? We typically
Embracing Awe
I wrote a blog about awe just before the Rio Olympics. Anticipating the Olympics in Paris has made me think about awe again. In his book on the topic, Dacher
Just Add Water
Over the years, I’ve learned that any time I feel a headache coming on, if I drink water, it almost always goes away. Headaches are one of the many
How Rituals Make Life Better
I’ve written before about the many routines that I’ve incorporated into my daily life. They make it easier for me to remember to do things that are good
Why We Can’t Get Enough
Most of us know what we should do and what we shouldn’t do to be happier and healthier. Yet knowing is a lot easier than doing. Despite being aware
New Year, New Habits
Over the years, I’ve been adding well-being habits to my daily routine. Discovering the science of positive psychology led me to practice gratitude and start meditating to boost my
Managing Expectations for Greater Happiness
Have you ever heard the saying “happiness equals reality minus expectations”? It is true that expectations have a significant impact on our happiness. We are happier when reality is aligned
Using Mindful Optimism to Stress Less
In her book, The Mindful Body, Ellen Langer proposes that a mindless view of events causes stress. Stress relies on two things: 1) we assume something is going to happen
Do You Have a Psychologically Rich Life?
In my book, Beyond Happy, I discuss two factors that are important for well-being: happiness and meaning. A couple of years ago, psychologists Oishi and Westgate proposed a third path
Caring for Your Future Self
Many of the things we should do to be happier and healthier in the future require sacrifices today. In his book, Your Future Self, Hal Hershfield identifies several reasons why
How Minimalism Enhances Well-Being
I’ve written blogs in the past about the positive impact reducing clutter, embracing simplicity, and living with less have on your well-being. So, I wasn’t surprised when an
The Benefits of Embracing Your Biological Clock
Your circadian rhythm is your internal representation of time or your biological clock. It helps your body respond to the 24-hour day/night cycle by regulating essential functions. In his
Using Your Senses to Boost Well-Being
Our senses play a crucial role in our well-being. In her latest book, Life in Five Senses, Gretchen Rubin explains how sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch can impact human
Helping Others Helps You
I recently joined the board of Hands On Atlanta and I’m excited to be part of an organization that so closely aligns with my passion for well-being. The mission