Emotional and psychological well-being affects how we think, act, and engage with others. Understanding what factors impact mood can help provide balance and ease stress and anxiety. This Real Simple special edition explores how to acknowledge mental challenges and cultivate a brighter outlook. Science-backed practices such as meditation and mindfulness can ease anxious thoughts and offer relief from conditions such as depression. Plus: how color can impact mood, the truth about manifestation, and delicious recipes for feel-good meals.
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The Science of Mood • Optimism is a key ingredient to living a satisfying life. Here’s how brain chemistry and lifestyle shifts can lead to a sunnier outlook.
Opener • Preserving your mind and mood is priceless. Here’s how to manage anxiety and make your mental health a priority.
The Power of Self-Compassion • Coming to terms with the difficulties in your life and being gentle with yourself can have positive effects on your mental well-being.
Manifestation, Meet Science • Just visualizing your goals isn’t enough to make them happen—but it can be a good starting point.
A Separate Peace • Of course you adore your loved ones—but you’re allowed to catch a moment to yourself. Here’s how to set boundaries with compassion.
Every Breath You Take • The right breathing techniques can strengthen your heart, deepen your sleep, and, yes, ease your troubled mind.
The Benefits of Spirituality • Are you finding as much purpose and meaning as you’d like? Psychologist and researcher Lisa Miller may have the missing link.
Overcome the Overwhelm • Is life leaving you tired and wired? Here’s how to step away from the stress.
Opener • Cultivate long-term joy by optimizing your routine, freshening up your space, and curating a relaxing bookshelf.
Get It Done! • Take out that red pen and finally scratch those lingering tasks off your list. The sense of accomplishment might seriously boost your mental well-being.
Color Me Happier • A little pigment goes a long way when it comes to boosting your mood. Embrace the wonders of color with these ideas to saturate the soul.
The Magic of Mornings, the Power of Light • Getting a head start early in the day and then embracing a routine that respects both daylight and darkness can be a boost to mental health and productivity.
A Book for Every Ailment • Find solace, inspiration, and the unexpected belly laugh at the exact moment you need it—in a bookcase near you.
Opener • Nourish your body and mind with delicious ingredients linked to mental wellness. Plus, how to de-stress your kitchen.
A Good-Mood Kitchen • Set up your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to make eating for better cognition and mental wellness a no-brainer.
Genie in a Bottle • Do the new calming drinks let you sip your way to serenity?
A Delicious Rebalance • Nourish yourself with wholesome foods and add healthy habits to your routine. These six dietitian-endorsed strategies, plus easy recipes, will help you feel your best.
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New Ventures • Learning new skills means working through mistakes and embracing the discomfort of the unknown. This builds resilience that you can draw on at work and elsewhere. You may even overcome what psychologist Daniel Gilbert, PhD, calls “the end-of-history illusion”—the mistaken belief that you’re incapable of change, despite all the big changes you’ve gone through.
