NEW YORK — In a world where the hustle and bustle barely leaves room for a deep breath, a staggering 52 percent of women have found their sanctuary — in the shower! A survey of 1,000 women between 18 and 35 years-old also finds that 79 percent are in need of more “me time” right…

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GOLETA, Calif. — Work-life balance has been at the forefront of American society since the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. It’s become an important topic in the space of mental health as burnout has become a major issue. A new survey is now revealing that where you live plays a pivotal role in balancing your job and…

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NEW YORK — In this fast-paced and hectic world we live in today, everyone needs a place where they can kick back, relax, and unwind. Whether it’s sitting in the sand at a beach or taking a hike through a majestic forest, there are many places in the United States that offer a much-needed oasis of…

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COLCHESTER, United Kingdom — A smile really can brighten everyone’s day. Other people’s emotions can be hard to read, especially among mostly unexpressive faces. However, researchers from the University of Essex have found that when someone smiles, even for just a split-second, it actually makes people more likely to see happiness in an otherwise expressionless face.…

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PITTSBURGH — Certain scents from the past instantly conjure up memories from years ago. While the connection between the human olfactory system and memory is well-documented, new research now suggests familiar smells and the memories they bring with them may help fight off depression and negative thoughts. Study authors from the University of Pittsburgh say catching…

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BARCELONA, Spain — Happiness may not have a high price tag, a new study explains. A team in Spain is highlighting the numerous indigenous peoples and local communities worldwide who lead fulfilling lives, despite possessing minimal financial resources. The notion that money buys happiness is a common assumption in economics and policy. As incomes rise,…

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BOCHUM, Germany — In the digital world of endless comparisons, a thought-provoking study by a team at Ruhr University Bochum reveals a startling truth: materialism on social media fuels stress and diminishes happiness. This research, conducted through an online survey of over 1,200 participants, highlights the unique way social media perpetuates materialistic attitudes and the…

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A study out of Washington University reveals that possessing a clear sense of purpose in life can lead to increased romantic attraction.

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NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — School can serve as much more than just a place to learn for countless children. Scientists from Rutgers University have found that Black adolescents with a stronger sense of community at their schools tend to display lower levels of aggression and depression up to six years later. Study authors explain that…

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SPOKANE, Wash. — Americans have been leaving big cities in droves in recent years, and now a new study is giving older adults another reason to move. Scientists from Washington State University have found that even small, seemingly insignificant, differences in the availability of green and blue spaces across urban areas may contribute to improved mental…

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So, it’s day 4 — how’s your New Year’s resolution coming along? If you don’t have one, you might actually be in the majority. An end-of-the-year survey of 2,000 Americans found that 55% weren’t making the traditional “big” self-improvement goal for 2024. Instead, many folks are simply setting their sights on more general aspirations like…

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NEW YORK — One in 10 homeowners admit that their current home is far from their dream house. A survey of 2,000 American homeowners shows that people have great visions for their home, but are not quite there yet. In fact, 36 percent are unsatisfied with certain parts of their home. Specifically, homeowners say the…

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LONDON — Sometimes, the best way to put a smile on your face is to completely change how the world sees you. A recent survey finds haircuts, stylish outfits, and freshly washed hair are the top makeover tips that make adults feel their most beautiful. Other changes that give people a sense of attractiveness include…

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NEW YORK — Wondering why you still haven’t received a response to a text you sent days ago? A new study finds many people think they need help with this simple task — and many more. More than half of Americans (59%) say they “always” or “often” find themselves wishing they could find an easier…

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NEW YORK — Seven in 10 Americans consider cooking and eating as the sixth “love language.” The poll of 2,000 adults who cook regularly reveals that 80% use food as a way to comfort themselves after a stressful day and 65% will use food as a way to comfort others. Ice cream was crowned as the…

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BATH, United Kingdom — Being too optimistic may lead to poor decisions, a surprising new study reveals. Researchers from the University of Bath found that, when it comes to your financial well-being, it actually helps to look at the glass as half-empty instead of focusing on the positives in life. It’s a stunning turn, seeming…

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BATH, United Kingdom — Just starting your professional career? Be ready to go through a rollercoaster of emotions. Researchers from the University of Bath’s School of Management have uncovered a distinct emotional progression that professionals (specifically lawyers) undergo on their path toward securing a coveted partnership role. The study, focusing on legal professionals in the…

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BLACKSBURG, Va. — Feeding birds is beneficial not only for our feathered friends but also for human well-being, a new study reveals. Researchers at Virginia Tech are emphasizing the importance of recognizing bird feeding’s positive impact on humans and incorporating this understanding into public policy and guidance. “Wildlife agencies and others making decisions on managing…

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LONDON — Meditation can significantly improve the well-being of older adults, a new study reveals. Researchers in London have found that a specially designed meditation program can enhance the mental health of adults over 65 years-old. This program consisted of a nine-month mindfulness module, followed by a nine-month module on loving-kindness and compassion. It also…

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‘We had no idea we’d last this long’: At 103 and 102, Dorothy and Tim Walter credit their longevity to respectful communication and time outdoors. KENT, United Kingdom — What’s the secret to a long-lasting relationship? A centenarian couple who have been married for a staggering 81 years may be Britain’s most enduring love story.…

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The prevailing belief in many parts of the world is that having children is key to happiness – and that people who don’t have children are unfulfilled in their lives. But is this really the case? The answer to this question is both simple and complex – and the fulfillment you feel in your life, whether…

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LONDON — Is there a confidence deficiency spreading among grown adults? According to a new survey, the average adult needs 16 confidence boosters a month in order to feel their best. The poll of 2,000 British adults reveals the biggest confidence raisers include getting a compliment or general praise, achieving an unexpected goal, and making someone…

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LONDON — People who spend more time outside are healthier, more energetic, and more productive than those who do not. A study of 2,000 adults reveals those spending 20 hours or more per week in a green or natural space were 41 percent more productive on an average day than those spending less than 30 minutes a…

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — The vast majority of dog and cat owners will say their pets enrich their lives in countless ways and bring immeasurable levels of extra happiness, but researchers from Michigan State University suggest that most pet owners may just be telling themselves what they want to hear. Their new study found that despite…

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PLYMOUTH, United Kingdom — Whether you prefer Ginsberg to Shakespeare or “Ozymandias” over “Song of Myself,” noteworthy new research suggests adding a bit more literature to your life can protect against loneliness. Scientists at the University of Plymouth have found that reading, writing, or simply sharing poetry can help people cope with isolation or feeling lonely…

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TUCSON, Ariz. — Most people can appreciate the need for a little alone time, especially at the end of a hectic day or during a relaxing weekend. However, at a certain point, it’s natural to start looking forward to social interactions again after a few hours in solitude. Now, researchers from the University of Arizona…

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LONDON — As people grow older, many find it becomes harder and harder to fight off frowns and bad moods. Now, researchers from University College London suggest the secret to happiness during old age may be as simple as avoiding stagnation. Their study finds that having a hobby has an association with fewer depressive symptoms and…

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BOSTON — Feeling satisfied in life will only take certain older adults so far, according to researchers from the Boston University School of Public Health. While popular beliefs suggest that maintaining a smile throughout life can help boost both mental and physical health, a new study finds life satisfaction actually provides little benefit to older…

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LONDON — If you’re looking for a mood booster, you might want to grab a tent and some marshmallows. A survey finds people who engage in camping are generally happier than those who don’t. A comprehensive analysis of 10,992 participants reveals that 48 percent of campers feel happy nearly every day, in stark contrast to…

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NEW YORK — Forget once-a-month bubble baths — new research shines a light on smaller daily acts of self-care. A survey of 2,000 Americans finds more than half (52%) agree that “self-care days” are only temporary fixes compared to practicing smaller daily habits. When it comes to what self-care is, 64 percent of U.S. adults think…

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BOCHUM, Germany — Is childhood really the happiest period of a person’s life? A new study finds you might have to wait a while to really find the bright side of life. A team of international researchers has found that a child’s life satisfaction actually decreases between the ages of nine and 16 — before rising…

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CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom — Being comfortable in one’s own skin is often easier said than done, but researchers from Anglia Ruskin University highlight just how important accepting ourselves can be on that long road toward happiness and contentment in life. Scientists report a more positive body image displays a strong association with both better psychological well-being…

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Research shows that hedonism and autonomy could be the essential ingredients for well-being. ESSEX, England — The key to happiness may lie in valuing free time and pleasure over achievement, according to a new study. Conducted by a team of British researchers, the study suggests that those who focus on achieving goals at the expense of…

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The default psychological setting for human beings is an unavoidable self-centeredness. We each stand at the center of our own thoughts, feelings and needs, and thus experience them in a way that we cannot experience the thoughts, feelings and needs of others. As writer David Foster Wallace put it in a 2005 commencement address: “…

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NEW YORK — Does your kid read a lot? A new study suggests they’re likely happier, more physically active, have a more active imagination, and even problem-solve better than kids who rarely or never read. The poll of 1,500 American parents and 500 K–6 teachers revealed that 91 percent of children between five and 12…

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How do we live good, fulfilling lives? Aristotle first took on this question in his Nicomachean Ethics – arguably the first time anyone in Western intellectual history had focused on the subject as a standalone question. He formulated a teleological response to the question of how we ought to live. Aristotle proposed, in other words,…

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COLCHESTER, United Kingdom — Are modern parents stifling their kids’ playtime? Moms and dads may mean well, but researchers from the University of Essex suggest today’s parents are monitoring their children a whole lot more than previous generations, potentially hindering both spontaneous play and development. Researchers explain that while parents have always shouldered the responsibility of…

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NEW YORK — Looks aren’t everything, right? That might not be the case when tying the knot. Seven in 10 married Americans claim they couldn’t even enjoy their own wedding day because of how stressed they were over their own appearance. A poll of 2,000 engaged or married Americans found on average, brides and grooms…

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LAUSANNE, Switzerland — The way we perceive sounds goes beyond their physical characteristics. They can also evoke emotions and convey meaning. Now, it turns out that which ear we hear sounds in can have a significant impact on our well-being. Researchers have discovered that the direction from which sounds can influence our emotional response —…

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PARIS, France — Happiness is one of the most fundamental parts of human life, though it’s not always easy to achieve. Researchers working with the Association of Psychological Science suggest that one reason happiness can seem so difficult to find is that how we feel in the present often interferes with how we think we…

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SAN FRANCISCO — Can experiencing trauma as a kid truly “scar you” for life? An unhappy childhood could cause long-lasting effects that stick around through adulthood, affecting physical and cognitive ability, according to new research. Studies have examined how experiencing hardships as a kid can lead to lots of health issues as a young or…

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Retirement can feel like a strange time for many people. Gone is the routine of work, your time is your own – in theory. How to stop chores from taking over can become a tricky balance. Some people retreat and return to work. Often, those that persevere find they are as busy as ever –…

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SAN DIEGO — Want to boost your social life and your health? Living in a neighborhood where everything is in walking distance may be key. According to researchers at the University of California-San Diego, environments that promote local connections can address the public health crisis of loneliness and isolation. Loneliness and isolation have been linked…

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BALTIMORE — Hyposmia, or a reduced sense of smell, has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the past. Now, new research by a team at Johns Hopkins Medicine finds that a poor sense of smell is also associated with depression in older individuals. The project tracked over 2,000 community-dwelling older adults…

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ST. LOUIS — Looking to rid your life of a feeling of loneliness? Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have found that a sense of purpose can go a long way toward staving off feelings of loneliness and isolation. “Purpose” can mean a lot of things to a lot of people. For one person, it…

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Aging is seen as a period of loss, and there are unhelpful myths about older adults. Myths lead to treatable conditions being considered normal parts of aging, including cognitive decline, dementia, depression and loneliness. Some even consider exercise dangerous in older adults. At the same time, mainstream media promotes the message that being young is…

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AMES, Iowa — Social media, like so much else in life, is best enjoyed in moderation. That’s the main finding of a team at Iowa State University, who focused on young adults and their mental health. When a group of college students limited their social media usage to just 30 minutes daily, participants scored significantly lower…

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When we’re young, we often grow up dreaming of who we want to be. As we get older, those dreams start to shift – reality sets in and our paths often turn out much different than what we imagined as a child. A variety of factors can influence our career, such as access to opportunity,…

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NEW YORK — Check in on your friends if they’ve been binging “Grey’s Anatomy” — a poll of 2,000 U.S. adults with streaming subscriptions finds that 51 percent think what they watch has the power to change their mood for the rest of the day. Another 49 percent can’t watch movies or shows that deal with…

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LUCERNE, Switzerland — The COVID-19 pandemic redefined what well-being means for many people. Add on the growing importance of mental well-being and “health” now means more than diet, exercise, and not being sick. Researchers say people are realizing that socializing, getting sunshine, and having a reliable routine are all really important parts of their overall…

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