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Happiness & Making Connections

Feeling happiness is important at every stage of life. And there are actions you can take to boost your sense of joy, including making connections that lift you up.

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A man and woman couple smiling and hugging outside in nature

A hot air balloon flying over mountains

challenges

Pursuit of Happiness Challenge

Joy doesn’t happen by accident. Learn about habits that experts believe may increase happiness — from connecting with others to practicing kindness.

Be Social

Social Ties and a Healthier Brain

Explore the link between social relationships and cognitive well-being in older adults

Manage Stress

Start a Joy Journal

Remembering the day’s high points may improve your mood

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Manage Stress

3 Ways Meditation Can Make You Happier

Quieting your mind can help you be less self-critical and more positive

Be Social

Make Dinnertime Screen-Free

To enjoy meals with others, turn off the TV and put away your devices

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More on Happiness

A man, Shawn Achor, speaking on stage at a TED event

TED Talks

The happy secret to better work

Should we work hard in order to be happy, or are we thinking about things backwards?

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A woman, Catherine Price, speaking on stage at SESSION 7 at TED2022

TED Talks

Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life

Easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life

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A man, Stefan Sagmeister, speaking on stage at a TED event

TED Talks

7 rules for making more happiness

His seven rules for life and design happiness can apply to everyone seeking more joy

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Manage Stress

The Effect of Music on Your Mood

Research shows that playing your preferred music helps your mood, so create a playlist

Manage Stress

Grow Happiness in Your Garden

Tend to the soil and your well-being

Eat Right

Happy Family Stir-Fry

An Asian dish that's versatile for using different vegetables to suit your taste

Make Connections

Be Social

12 Ways to Avoid Loneliness

U.S. surgeon general offers advice and a call to action

A woman, Olivia Affuso, smiling and sitting on camera

TED Talks

3 ways community creates a healthy life

How you can kickstart a healthy life by tapping into the collective power of a community

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Be Social

The Importance of Social Connection

Learn how social connections impact your health and get tips for nurturing relationships

Be Social

Reconnect With an Old Friend

Break the ice with a quick text or email

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Be Social

5 Smart Ways to Make and Keep New Friends

Try these tips to expand your social circle and nurture your brain health

Be Social

Supportive listening can be mutually beneficial

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More Content to Explore

Creating Social Connections

Stronger connections start with small steps

A pink brain palette

Cognitive Assessment

See how your memory and attention are working today

People eating outside

Social Interaction Drives Happiness as We Age

Friends and family ties are key among midlife and older adults, AARP Research finds

Legal Disclaimer: Staying Sharp, including all content and features, is offered for informational purposes and to educate users on brain health care and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Staying Sharp is based on a holistic, lifestyle approach to brain health that encourages users to incorporate into their daily lives activities that are associated with general wellness. Nothing in the service should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Features including the Cognitive Assessment and Lifestyle Check-Ins, Additional Tests, exercises, and challenges assess performance at a particular moment in time on certain discrete cognitive tasks. Staying Sharp games are intended for entertainment and recreational purposes only. Various factors may affect performance, including sleep, tiredness, focus, and other social, environmental, or emotional factors. Performance is not indicative of cognitive health and not predictive of future performance or medical conditions.

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