Health & Balance News, Features & Updates

December 24, 2025 — A new analysis suggests mindfulness — the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment in your body and your surroundings — may help people disengage from their phones.

December 17, 2025 — Sometimes, the "most wonderful time of the year" can be frustrating and overwhelming. But it's important to know that natural stressors can be behind seasonal dismay and there are ways you can stop winter rage in its tracks.

December 11, 2025 — They tend to exhibit specific traits and aren’t all they seem to be.

October 22, 2025 — New research reveals how our brain works against us when we try to change our health behaviors — and how we can succeed anyway.

August 8, 2025 — We increasingly live two lives, one online, one off. And the online life is becoming the dominant — and more miserable — for us all. Why won’t we help ourselves?

The “happiness paradox” is that the more you seek happiness, the more it escapes you. Find out what works better.

April 14, 2025 — With a little insight and a few expert tips, you’ll never fall for another false health claim.

April 3, 2025 — How shifts in parenting styles, reality TV, and social media created a self-obsessed culture -- and why we should be worried.

March 28, 2025 — A surprising new study suggests that putting your smartphone away won’t help you focus, but other strategies can, and they’re crucial for your mental health.

Millions of others are coming to the end of their own Dry January, and as the month closes, many are wondering, “What now?” How about Dry February?

January 23, 2025 — Learn why paying attention to nature and how it makes you feel can enhance your mental health this season.

November 21, 2024 — A look at the trends gives you an opportunity to evaluate your own habits and live healthier.

October 8, 2024 — How minor annoyances can escalate into the worst thing ever and keep you angry.

The American College of Lifestyle Medicine and Blue Zones will soon offer a new clinical certification to physicians and health professionals.

May 9, 2024 — Turn around those bad family genes with four lifestyle changes.

March 29, 2024 — Connecting with your future self can benefit you today, research shows. Here are two science-backed ways to do just that.

Toxic positivity is when you insist on hyping the positive to an unrealistic and even damaging extent. And you might not even know you’re doing it.

March 14, 2024 — The study found that walking a dog relaxes people; brushing the dog improves concentration; and playing with the pooch does both.

March 13, 2024 — Cold plunges, hot tubs, face dunking – trendy water activities may be very good for you. We ask experts why.

March 8, 2024 — Preventing that burned out feeling is possible, experts say, by practicing mindfulness — an age-old approach focused on being aware of your feelings in the moment, without judgment or interpretation.

February 1, 2024 — Confidence can be built in many ways -- working out, practicing self-care, being kinder to yourself -- and new research shows that what you eat might have an impact. Specific nutrients can boost feelings of self-esteem by feeding your brain and subsequently affecting your emotions in a positive way.

Millions both in the U.K. and across the pond in the U.S. have vowed to skip alcohol for January 2024. What are the benefits?

Building a gratitude practice can be a rewarding daily habit. Learn how to do it and what the benefits are.

November 9, 2023 — Marijuana is often linked to poor mental health, but a new study shows that it may improve users’ empathy, which is the ability to understand or share the feelings of another person.

September 8, 2023 — Experts share their best tips for creating a meaningful self-care experience at home.

August 7, 2023 — Giving to others isn't just generous – it's healthy and linked to longer life. Here's what's going on in your body when you help someone.

June 20, 2023 — Social isolation increased the risk of early death by 32%, and loneliness increased the risk of death by 14%, according to a study published Monday.

May 2, 2023 — The United States is facing a public health crisis of loneliness, isolation and lack of social connection, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, said Tuesday in issuing an advisory report.

April 13, 2023 — Positive beliefs about aging give older people a 30% better chance of recovering normal thinking after experiencing mild memory loss.

February 6, 2023 — Urban dwellers who frequently visit green spaces, such as parks and community gardens, have a lower use of some commonly prescribed medications.

Habits are what can turn your goal or resolution into reality. Find out how to make good ones and break bad habits – for keeps.

Your next staycation shouldn’t be just time to catch up on errands. Here’s how to make sure it feels like a true break.

What do you say when you’re the target of someone’s guilt trip? And what do you tell yourself about it? Read expert advice.

Many people have felt judged for being overweight. The fat phobia, weight bias, or weight stigma that other people subject them to can be harmful. Read experts’ advice.

Ahead of this year’s awards, we explore why five of this year’s nominees might strike an emotional chord.

Sibling rivalries come down to how kids perceive they’re treated by parents. An imbalance causes strain even as adults. Empathy can help you make amends.

Are you making New Year's resolutions? Find out what helps you set goals and make habits that you can stick with.

Learn the benefits of music and how it can help with studying.

Do you often find yourself procrastinating? Learn more about why you do this.

Are candles bad for you? Learn more about the benefits, chemical risks, and best types of candles.

Learn about why thinking realistically is better than simple optimism.

Learn helpful tips for protecting your finances during a divorce.

Learn how to relieve anxiety about climate change.

Does shopping boost your mood? Learn why and what to be aware of.

Knowing basic self-defense moves is a great way to keep yourself safe. Learn tips for escaping an attack using self-defense techniques.

Learn about how helpful daydreaming can be.

Subtracting instead of adding is better for your health. Read on to discover why it’s essential to reduce in some aspects of your life to improve your overall health.

Plastics are everywhere. They can break apart so much that you can’t even see them. Learn about how to avoid plastics and plastic pollution.

Learn what's helpful and not helpful when you feel overwhelmed or helpless.