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Minding the Body

The guide to health and happiness

Anxiety
Coping with Uncertainty When You Have Multiple Sclerosis

Linda Wasmer Andrews on July 16, 2019

For people with multiple sclerosis, not knowing what the future holds is a big challenge. A new counseling approach aims to reduce the distress caused by uncertainty.

For people with multiple sclerosis, not knowing what the future holds is a big challenge. A new counseling approach aims to reduce the distress caused by uncertainty.

Anxiety
How to Feel More Confident About Cooking at Home

Linda Wasmer Andrews on June 17, 2019

The belief that you "can't cook" is a major hurdle to preparing healthy meals at home. These psychological strategies can help you cook up more confidence in the kitchen.

The belief that you "can't cook" is a major hurdle to preparing healthy meals at home. These psychological strategies can help you cook up more confidence in the kitchen.

Health
Why Salutogenesis Is the Best New Word in the Dictionary

Linda Wasmer Andrews on April 26, 2019

Merriam-Webster just announced that it added the word "salutogenesis" to its dictionary. Here’s why that matters, if you care about a positive approach to health and well-being.

Merriam-Webster just announced that it added the word "salutogenesis" to its dictionary. Here’s why that matters, if you care about a positive approach to health and well-being.

Sleep
5 Tips for Better Sleep in a Hotel Room

Linda Wasmer Andrews on April 24, 2019

Conquer travel insomnia with these simple, practical strategies. Here's advice from four experts on picking a sleep-friendly hotel room, minimizing "first-night effect," and more.

Conquer travel insomnia with these simple, practical strategies. Here's advice from four experts on picking a sleep-friendly hotel room, minimizing "first-night effect," and more.

Happiness
Can "Blue Space" Provide Therapeutic Benefits?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on March 22, 2019

Walking near "blue space"—natural aquatic features such as lakes and coastal waters—may be good for your mental health. Here's what recent research shows.

Walking near "blue space"—natural aquatic features such as lakes and coastal waters—may be good for your mental health. Here's what recent research shows.

Health
Why We Should Think of Exercise as Its Own Reward

Linda Wasmer Andrews on March 4, 2019

Enjoyable exercise is intrinsically rewarding, much like tasty food is, recent research shows. So why are we more tempted by a doughnut than a workout?

Enjoyable exercise is intrinsically rewarding, much like tasty food is, recent research shows. So why are we more tempted by a doughnut than a workout?

Gratitude
8 Ways to Wake Up Happier

Linda Wasmer Andrews on January 15, 2019

Eight wellness professionals share their favorite tips for getting up on the right side of the bed.

Eight wellness professionals share their favorite tips for getting up on the right side of the bed.

Insomnia
Do Weighted Blankets Really Ease Sleeplessness?

Linda Wasmer Andrews on August 17, 2018

A growing number of insomnia sufferers are looking for a better night’s sleep under a weighted blanket. Here’s what is known, and what isn’t.

A growing number of insomnia sufferers are looking for a better night’s sleep under a weighted blanket. Here’s what is known, and what isn’t.

Mindfulness
Metaphor Is a Shortcut on the Path to Mindfulness

Linda Wasmer Andrews on July 3, 2018

A vivid metaphor may be the quickest, easiest route to mindfulness. Here are the key elements of a good metaphor for mindfulness along with three experts’ favorite examples.

A vivid metaphor may be the quickest, easiest route to mindfulness. Here are the key elements of a good metaphor for mindfulness along with three experts’ favorite examples.

Bias
The Pain of Weight Bias Is Real—and Physical

Linda Wasmer Andrews on May 25, 2018

Body shaming hurts, and not just emotionally. Feeling stigmatized because of your weight is associated with increased physical pain, a new study shows.

Body shaming hurts, and not just emotionally. Feeling stigmatized because of your weight is associated with increased physical pain, a new study shows.