Happiness & Making Connections

Gardening may help to lighten mood, improve concentration, reduce stress levels and lower risk of depression, according to research.

Should we work hard in order to be happy, or are we thinking about things backwards? Shawn Achor argues that happiness inspires us to be more productive.

Meditation can teach you to let go of negative thoughts and be more compassionate and resilient. Here’s a closer look at how it can rewire our brains.

Stir-fry is an Asian dish and is versatile for using different vegetables to suit your taste. You can add carrots or green beans or almost any vegetable.

Experts say music can influence your mood. Be your own DJ, as research shows personal music preference plays the greatest role when it comes to mood.

Have you had your daily dose of fun? Catherine Price shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulness, flow and connection into your everyday life.

Using simple, delightful illustrations, designer Stefan Sagmeister shares his latest thinking on happiness — both the conscious and unconscious kind.

Journal happy memories. Writing down positive things that happen in your life may help you feel better now and recall those moments in the future.

Although research doesn’t prove that nurturing relationships cause a healthy brain, the link between them is compelling. Find out more.

Research suggests chronic loneliness can increase the risk of developing dementia. Here are 12 ways people can take action themselves to stay socially connected.

Maintaining strong social connections is important to a balanced, healthy lifestyle. If a lot of time has passed, try these tips to break the ice.

Loneliness is on the rise and its health impacts can be extensive. Learn about the components of social connection that are vital for strong relationships.

Being a good listener may sound easy, but it’s a skill. Being there for others feels good and can help to deepen your relationships.

Screen use at dinner can make people feel disconnected from their families and hurt conversation. Here are tips for readjusting the focus at mealtime.

As we get older, friends can be harder to find. If your social circle has shrunk over the years, try these five tips to start reaching out and connecting.

Olivia Affuso shows how you can kickstart a healthy life by tapping into the collective power of a community that supports and motivates your health goals.

Take our month-long series of challenges that focuses on building the foundations of mental wellness through emotions, resilience, mindfulness and happiness.