A Little Stress for a Longer Life
Have you heard of hormesis? It occurs when small amounts of stress trigger biological processes that enhance health, slow aging, and make you more resistant to future stress. Short bursts
How to Use Time to Boost Your Well-Being
“It’s not about being time rich, it’s about making the time that we have rich.” In her book, Happier Hour, UCLA professor Cassie Holmes argues that time is
Flexibility Keeps You on Track
Establishing habits is a great way to make healthy behaviors automatic. Habits work well for simple behaviors performed in a stable environment. It’s been easy for me to stick
How Discomfort Can Increase Happiness
The fascinating connection between pain and pleasure in our brains can explain why too much pleasure may be bad for happiness, while experiencing some pain or discomfort may increase happiness.
Food as Medicine
“The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison.” – Ann Wigmore Dr. William Li is a physician who
The Relationships That Matter Most
You probably know that relationships are one of most important factors for well-being. What you might not know is the kind of relationship that matters most for our happiness: friendships!
How I Work to be Well
Your happiness and health are determined to a great extent by lifestyle choices. Nearly half of all premature deaths in the U.S. are due to behaviors that can be
A Positive Mindset Can Increase Longevity
In my last post, I wrote about how your mindset regarding stress determines its impacts on you. Your mindset shapes your health and well-being in many profound ways. In her
Paying Attention to Your Attention
A lot of different things impact your well-being. Attention is near the top of the list. Your ability to focus and the choices you make regarding what you pay attention
It’s Not You, It’s Your Environment
Dan Buettner wants you to know that if you’re struggling with health problems or your weight, it’s probably not your fault. In his latest book, The Blue Zones
Sharing Mental Health Struggles
This summer we witnessed more professional athletes sharing their mental health struggles. Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open to tend to her mental health, then Simone Biles chose not
The Wonders of Walking
Walking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental well-being. I make sure to get as many steps in each day as I possibly
The Joy of Cooking
For most of my adult life, I considered cooking a chore. I didn’t find much joy in meal planning, grocery shopping, or preparing dinner at the end of a
Embracing Lifequakes
A recent article in the Washington Post reported a survey showing that 66% of people returning to work after the pandemic are considering changing fields. This is not as surprising
Bouncing Back Better
“Never let a good crisis go to waste.” ~Sir Winston Churchill As we emerge from the pandemic, let’s think about how we can bounce back better. Returning to work
Two More Rules of Habit Formation
In my last post I discussed the first two rules for creating good habits from James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, 1) make it obvious and 2) make it attractive.
New Year, Fresh Start
Are you as ready for 2021 as I am? The beginning of a new year is often filled with hope for positive change. January 1 is a “temporal landmark”, a
Do it for Your Future Self
Most of us know what we need to do to be happier and healthier. We know things like eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough sleep will boost our mental
Gardening for Well-Being
I started meditating 10 years ago because I kept reading about the benefits of meditation for well-being. I’m so glad I did because it has made a huge, positive
Discerning How to Help
In his commencement address to The Class of 2020, Barack Obama reminded us that “our individual well-being depends on the well-being of the community that we live in and that
To Be Resilient Take Control
Resilient individuals use active coping skills to get through difficult times. They identify what they have control over and focus on what they can do about the things within their
Eating Less Meat: Good for You, Good for the Planet
In anticipation of Earth Day, I’d like to share my thoughts on the benefits of eating less meat. I am convinced it is one of the most impactful things
Look for the Helpers, Be a Helper
Two ways to boost your mood during these difficult weeks are to notice all of the wonderful things people are doing to help others and to find ways that you,
Welcoming a Slow Down
Anyone who knows me at all knows I’m a big planner. I make plans for everything as far out as possible and changes of plans can make me uncomfortable.
Creating Habits for Positive Change
The hardest part of change isn’t knowing what you should do, it’s doing it. The two things that have helped me include more well-being practices in my life