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Science

Learn about the science of happiness, also known as positive psychology, and the scientists and psychologist behind the science.

science

Why Well-Being Is About More Than Happiness

We all want to live a life filled with well-being. But what does that really mean? Is it happiness? Contentment? Peace? A sense of purpose? Strong relationships? The answer is more complicated that it seems. For decades, researchers have used terms like well-being, flourishing, quality of life, thriving, and positive mental health to describe a life well lived. The problem is that these terms haven’t always meant the same thing, and different fields have defined well-being in different ways. Many in positive psychology use the PERMA model developed by Martin E.P. Seligman, Ph.D., to define a flourishing life: Positive emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment. “There’s no scarcity of well-being models, and there’s a lot of confusing language around the concept of well-being or positive mental health,” says Joep van Agteren, Ph.D., CEO of Be Well Co and an affiliate senior lecturer at the School of Public Health at Adelaide University. Without a shared understanding of positive mental health, it could be difficult to compare studies, evaluate interventions, and know which aspects of life matter most. A recent study published in Nature Mental Health hopes to solve this problem by creating a framework researchers can use to define what it means to live the good life. Why Is Well-Being So Difficult to Define? When it comes to physical health, doctors rely on widely accepted markers, such as blood pressure, cholesterol, heart function, and blood sugar. Positive mental health is different. While researchers can measure happiness, optimism, resilience, or purpose, the challenge is agreeing on which of those experiences belong in the definition of positive mental health. “Well-being is a word that sounds quite simple but is actually quite complex and vague,” Joep says. “It means a lot of different things to different people, and because it’s so personal and culture-dependent and influenced by our own experience, it has been difficult to get on the same page.” One reason for this, Joep says, is that well-being is studied across various fields and disciplines. “A philosopher, a psychologist, and an economist will look at this notion of well-being very differently and are influenced by completely different traditions,” Joep says. “That makes it difficult to find a universal definition unless researchers intentionally bring those different perspectives together.” Finding a Common Language Joep was part of the University of Adelaide research team that sought to develop a taxonomy that would act as a framework everyone can use. The research team conducted a Delphi consensus study that gathered opinions from more than 120 globally recognized experts from 11 different fields of study, including psychology, psychiatry, public health, medicine, sociology, and economics. During three rounds of surveys, experts rated which qualities were the strongest indicators of positive mental health. They started with 26 possible dimensions identified through previous research and ultimately narrowed the list down to 19. Joep says the goal isn’t to introduce another model of well-being, but rather create a foundation that supports the models that already exist. “We hope people see the taxonomy as a common language and a classification of scientifically supported dimensions of well-being,” he says. “You can see it as a highly diverse foundation that lists the key elements — an ingredient list, if you like — that you can use to inform your own approach to mental well-being.” The 19 Dimensions of Positive Mental Health The top six candidates for defining well-being on which more than 90% of experts agreed were: Meaning and purpose Life satisfaction Self-acceptance Connection Autonomy Happiness The remaining 13 components are acceptance, competence, belonging, engagement, development (personal growth), optimism, self-congruence (living in alignment with one’s values), fun, vitality, activities and functioning, achievement, calmness, and a sense of safety. It’s important to note that these aren’t necessarily the “keys to happiness,” and the six dimensions with the strongest consensus aren’t necessarily a clear path to a good life. Instead, the taxonomy provides a broader understanding of positive mental health. “We’re not saying the taxonomy is here to replace models,” Joep says. “It’s here to act as a grounding beneath them.” Well-Being is More Than Happiness One of the study’s more interesting findings is that meaning and purpose ranked slightly higher than happiness among the experts. While Joep says that there wasn’t a significant gap, he believes that meaning and purpose can be especially effective because they can be cultivated in many areas of life. “I like that the taxonomy makes happiness just one of the dimensions to strive for,” he says. “Mental well-being is about so much more than happiness.” The study also suggests that people living with anxiety, depression, or another mental health condition can still experience purpose, personal growth, autonomy, joy, and strong relationships. “These things should not be ruled out merely by the presence of symptoms of a mental health condition,” Joep says. He compares it with physical health: someone with asthma, for example, can still be physically fit. Where Do We Start? Although the study wasn’t designed to tell us how to become happier, the taxonomy can give us a blueprint on how to get there. Rather than asking only, “Am I happy?” consider other areas of your life. Could your relationships be stronger? Do you feel connected to your community? Are you making time for personal growth, purpose, or fun? These are the building blocks for a good life. We don’t have to ace each dimension, but use the list to see which areas we can improve on. “What the taxonomy shows is that there are about 19 different areas you could focus on,” Joep says. “If you’re struggling with either of those, or multiple of those, it gives you a clear direction to steer your activities.” While happiness is great, it’s only one piece of the puzzle to defining positive mental health, and the study shows there are many ways to achieve greater well-being. The science is evolving, and researchers like Joep are continuing to explore how these dimensions are related to one another. Now there is a framework backed by leading experts that can be used to design programs or interventions to improve well-being. The research has also changed Joep’s own view of the good life. He says he has expanded his definition to place more importance that social relationships. “My view has now become much more balanced around the need to have a social environment where people feel at ease and supported, while also finding enough downtime and time to have fun,” he says. “For someone who is not the most zesty person has a tendency to work a lot, that’s a pretty important reminder and has helped me a lot myself. “Who said science couldn’t be therapeutic?”
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Self-Care

Why Aerobic Exercise Could Be Your Next Happy Pill

Your daily workout may be just as good as antidepressants for beating the blues. A growing body of research suggests that regular physical activity — from walking to strength training to yoga — can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and psychological distress, offering a powerful reminder that movement is medicine for both body and mind. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM), titled “Effect of exercise on depression and anxiety symptoms: systematic umbrella review with meta-meta-analysis,” analyzed data from more than 1,000 clinical trials to better understand the relationship between exercise and positive mental health. Led by Neil Munro, a Ph.D. candidate at James Cook University’s Department of Psychology in Australia, researchers combed through large-scale data and uncovered surprising results. Exercise-based interventions in all formats can be a cost-effective and accessible tool to use as part of a mental health regimen to ward off mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. Who Can Benefit the Most? Researchers also found that two segments of the population may see the greatest benefit from using exercise as a mental health intervention. “There were particularly strong effects for people with diagnosed depression and anxiety disorders,” Neil said. “For depression specifically, the greatest benefits were seen in two key groups: people aged 18 to 30 and postnatal women. This finding is especially significant given how underserved these populations often are in accessing traditional mental health care.” Why Exercise Helps Mental Health The reason practicing aerobic exercise on a consistent basis improves your mood is because it changes your brain chemistry in positive ways. Physical activity boosts those mood-regulating chemicals, such as serotonin, which stabilizes mood; dopamine, which supports motivation; and endorphins, which ease stress and pain. When mixed together, it creates a powerhouse of happy meds. Exercise also lowers cortisol, regulates the nervous system, and builds resilience against stress over time. You are essentially training your body to calm itself down. There are social and emotional benefits too. Group workouts and fitness classes with other people can cultivate connections which increase social interaction and combat loneliness. Spending outdoors time in nature which is a natural mood boost and structured routines with other people keeps you accountable. Which Workouts Work the Best? The most impressive results were shown from aerobic exercise showed consistent, strong improvements in both depression and anxiety. These exercises include: Walking Running or jogging Cycling Swimming Strength-training is linked to notable reductions in depressive symptoms and tied to increased confidence and physical empowerment. The strength-training routines include: Weightlifting Resistance band workouts Bodyweight exercises (push-ups, squats) If you are looking for more anxiety-reducing practices, try these mind-body exercises to help regulate stress and improve emotional balance: Yoga Tai- chi Qigong For people who feel intimidated by exercise, researchers say it is key to start small. Even short sessions of movement can make a difference as people gradually work their way toward longer workouts. This builds confidence, accomplishment, and a sense of control. While exercise is not a magic cure-all that will replace professional treatment, it can be an effective tool for helping ward off mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety, helping you to live a happier, healthier life.
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science

Are the Sunday Scaries Creeping In? We Can Help!

If you’ve ever spent a perfectly good Sunday evening spiraling into a mental slideshow of unfinished tasks, looming deadlines, and vague existential dread, congratulations: you have become one with the Sunday Scaries. While not an official diagnosis, the so-called Sunday Scaries are real — and an increasingly common psychological phenomenon. In fact, a Harris Poll survey found that up to 80% of adults experience some form of anticipatory anxiety as the weekend winds down. So no, you’re not imagining it. And you’re definitely not alone. What causes the Sunday Scaries? The Sunday Scaries happen because your brain is doing what it was designed to do: predict, prepare, and protect. As the weekend winds down, your mind shifts from chill mode to “your to-do list has entered the chat” mode. That transition can trigger the brain’s threat-detection system — specifically the amygdala — which starts scanning for anything that might go wrong in the week ahead. (And oh, boy, can it come up with some doozies!) Add in the fact that you’ve committed to spending your weekend not thinking about work, and you’ve got a perfect recipe for a late‑Sunday emotional ambush. Biology isn’t working with you, either: research on circadian cycles shows that mood dips are common in the late afternoon and evening, when cortisol naturally rises and energy drops. Combine that with the cultural pressure to “start the week strong,” and suddenly your quiet Sunday night feels like a performance review you didn’t ask for. Instead of relaxing, you’re suddenly doing mental warm-ups to jump through the hoops lying in wait. But here’s the good news: the Sunday Scaries are not inevitable. You can absolutely outsmart them — and we’ll tell you how! Taking back Sunday One of the best strategies is to make Sunday evenings fun. (They didn’t invent “Sunday Funday” for nothing!) Instead of bracing for impact, make Sundays something you look forward to. Studies on positive anticipation show that having a small, enjoyable ritual — watching a favorite show, dinner with friends, or playtime with your dog — can shift your brain out of threat detection mode and into relaxation and reward mode. (Live Happy readers already know: joy is a skill, and small rituals matter.) Here are other things to try: Close the loop on your week before it ends. A 2020 study on cognitive load found that simply writing down unfinished tasks reduces anxiety because the brain no longer has to hold them in working memory. A five‑minute “brain dump” at the end of the day on Friday can calm the mental static that fuels Sunday-night dread. Give yourself a micro‑preview of the week ahead. Avoid slipping back into work mode; just allow your brain a quick glance at your calendar to confirm that Monday is, in fact, survivable. (This reduces uncertainty, which is one of the biggest drivers of anticipatory stress.) Move your body. A little exercise sparks endorphins that brighten your mood — plus, it can help your body wind down for better sleep. Lean in to the power of self‑compassion. Research from Kristin Neff and others shows that being kind to yourself lowers stress hormones and increases emotional resilience. If your Sunday brain is telling you you’re behind, unprepared, or doomed, gently remind it that you have a 100% success rate of surviving Mondays. Finally, remember that you don’t have to go it alone! Sign up for the Sunday Sillies newsletter and get a weekly dose of humor, tiny wins, and gentle encouragement designed to make your Sundays lighter and your Mondays less… Monday. Consider it your Sunday night ally — delivered right to your inbox, packed with good vibes (and zero Scaries) from the Live Happy team. SIGN UP FOR THE SUNDAY SILLIES NEWSLETTER
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science

Why Mental Health in the US Hasn’t Recovered Since the Pandemic — And What We Can Do About It

If your mental health still doesn’t feel like it bounced back after the pandemic, you’re not alone — and research suggests there’s a reason why. Studies show that the mental health of U.S. adults hasn’t returned to pre-pandemic levels and has even been steadily declining. The percentage of U.S. adults rating their mental health positively has been decreasing since 2014, with a sharper drop after 2020. For the past 25 years, U.S. adults have been asked to rate their mental health as excellent, good, fair, or poor in Gallup’s Health and Healthcare survey. In 2025, less than 30 percent of U.S. adults rated their mental health as excellent — the lowest percentage since the survey began. “This is not necessarily a sudden collapse, but rather a slow erosion,” says Erica G. Rojas, Ph.D., founder of EGR Psychology PLLC, a New York–based private psychological practice specializing in therapy for high-performing professionals navigating anxiety, burnout, and work-related stress. “We are seeing fewer people in a state of flourishing (high well-being, energy, and engagement) and more in a state of languishing (functioning, but with reduced vitality and satisfaction).” What’s Driving the Decline So why is this happening? Dr. Rojas suspects multiple factors are at play, including difficulty returning to a baseline sense of psychological safety after the pandemic and other unique challenges of our modern world. “Constant notifications, emails, and digital engagement keep our mind and body in a mild but persistent state of fight or flight,” Dr. Rojas says. And this unrelenting, “always-on” sort of environment, created by modern technology and work environments, gets in the way of the mental and emotional restoration that is critical to preserving well-being. Additionally, even though people are technically more connected than ever thanks to social media and other technology, Dr. Rojas suggests these interactions aren’t meeting emotional needs. While digital connections are more convenient, in-person connections may be more nourishing for emotional well-being. Mental Health in Young Women Not all groups are experiencing this decline in mental health in the same way. A deeper analysis of the 2024 report revealed that women ages 18 to 29 were especially affected. From 2010 to 2014, 48 percent of women polled reported excellent mental health. From 2020 to 2024, only 15 percent reported the same. The same type of influences affecting overall mental health could be to blame for this specific group’s decline. “Young women are at the center of the social media ecosystem,” says Dr. Rojas. Social media’s “near-constant feedback loop of evaluation,” as she calls it, can increase pressure around appearance and social relationships, impacting self-worth, body dissatisfaction, and anxiety. “For many in this age group, the COVID pandemic disrupted many key milestones ranging from college experiences, early career development, dating, and social network formation,” says Dr. Rojas. “Developmentally, interruptions during these formative years can have lasting effects on identity, confidence, and social stability.” Is there any hope? Does this trend mean mental health will continue to decline? Mental health experts like Dr. Rojas are hopeful. Challenging times like this can often act as meaningful turning points, especially as they spark valuable conversations that lead to solutions. “Importantly, improving mental health is not necessarily about doing more. Rather, it is about restoring what’s been lost at a systemic, individual, and collective level,” she says. At the individual level, Dr. Rojas recommends introducing what she calls true recovery—intentional time disengaged from outside input. Try taking a walk without headphones to be present with nature, or put your phone on do not disturb for a certain period of time. She also advises learning more emotional regulation skills that can help stabilize mood and reduce reactivity. “Systemically, what we are seeing is not an inherent decline in people’s capacity for well-being, but a mismatch between human psychology and modern environments,” shares Dr. Rojas. From that perspective, the solution means advocating for conditions that support overall mental health. For example, work culture can prioritize rest for employees and even institute policies that protect off-time, she says. “This includes realistic expectations around availability, boundaries around after-hours communication, and recognition that sustained performance requires periods of disengagement,” shares Dr. Rojas. Right now, many U.S. adults feel like they are simply getting through the day — instead of experiencing joy, connection, meaning, purpose — all of the elements that make life worth living. With intentional changes that prioritize well-being at both the individual and collective levels, flourishing is possible.
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science

Why Your Walking Buddy Might Be Your Best Wellness Tool

Staying physically active and keeping social connections are both healthy practices on their own. But new research from the Texas A&M University School of Public Health suggests each plays a key role in amplifying the other, leading to potentially living a longer, healthier, and happier life. Researchers believe these new findings could pave the way to more cost-effective strategies to combat loneliness, especially among older adults. According to Tyler Prochnow, assistant professor in the Department of Health Behavior in the School of Public Health at Texas A&M and a co-author of the study, the research examined the effect of social connections and physical activity among older adults. Multiple studies showed that social connections actually encourage people to be more physically active. “They’re inextricably linked,” Tyler explains. “Physical activity promotes social connection, and social connection promotes physical activity. It becomes a virtuous cycle.” Why Movement is Better Together Social engagement itself challenges the brain because every interaction requires adaptability and responsiveness. For example, joining a walking group doesn’t just help people stay active, it creates accountability, establishes routines, and encourages conversations and shared experiences, all while supporting physical health. The same dynamic can happen during a fitness class, recreation leagues, and even regular walk-and-talk routines with a friend or neighbor. It really doesn’t matter what the activity is, as long as you are moving the body while connecting with others. This reinforcing loop keeps people more engaged and challenges the brain and stimulates cognition. “When we pair that brain exercise with physical exercise, the benefits amplify,” Tyler says. A Boost for the Brain and Body Both physical activity and strong social ties have been linked to better cognitive function, improved mental health, and greater independence. When combined, they reinforce one another and may offer better protection against age-related decline. While all forms of connection are great for us, it’s the relationships that add meaning and purpose that give that added health boost. “Emotional closeness appears to deliver the strongest benefits, particularly for mental health,” Tyler says. These new finding can offer new strategies for preventing loneliness and social isolation, two factors that lead to a fast track to poor health. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, one in four adults 65 and older is socially isolated. Rebuilding Connection Later in Life For Tyler, the research is personal; he witnessed firsthand how life transitions can lead to a disruption in connections. “My parents recently moved from Wisconsin to Texas to be close to me. That relocation disrupted their long-established social networks, so this research feels really relevant right now,” he says. “We’re actively talking about how to rebuild connection in a new place. Creating community later in life can be challenging, especially when long-term relationships have been built over decades.” He says rebuilding connection takes deliberate action, shared routines, and structured activities — such as programs like SilverSneakers. Tyler believes communities can benefit by normalizing the idea of forming new relationships later in life, encouraging participation in shared activities and supporting more peer-led engagement. Healthier and happier aging is more than just moving, but rather who moves with us.
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science

The Bright Side of Dark Humor

If you like your humor so dark that you need a flashlight and a map of the underworld to navigate it, good news! Recent research suggests that dark humor can have positive mental health effects  — if it’s used properly. Exploring the Effects of Dark Humour on Psychological Well‑Being and Coping Mechanisms Among Adults, a 2024 study published in the International Journal of All Research Education and Scientific Methods, takes a deep dive into the use of humor involving taboo, morbid, or uncomfortable topics. The research confirmed it has a measurable impact on individuals, but not necessarily in the ways we might expect. Coffee? Black. Humor? Same. Study authors Aditi Gupta and Dr. Nirmala Singh Rathore noted that dark humor “has long intrigued psychologists and researchers for its potential impact on psychological well-being.” The researchers found that dark humor encourages cognitive reappraisal, the mental process of reframing a negative situation in a less threatening way. This can help build resilience by making the brain reinterpret something distressing in a humorous way, which then makes the experience feel less intense. This, they found, was helpful in reducing stress and managing anxiety. But the benefits don’t end there; dark humor can also contribute to social support and bonding, particularly among people who are sharing the same stressors or are facing similar incidents. For example, ER workers and first responders may use gallows humor when dealing with tragic situations. That doesn’t mean they find the situation funny; it’s a safe way of acknowledging the chaos of the moment and letting each other know they’re not alone. Laughing at difficult topics is also a way to help people regulate overwhelming emotions and create psychological distance. Think of it as a tiny life raft in choppy waters; it won’t change the situation around you, but it gives you something to hold onto while you ride it out. The authors even suggest that dark humor could be helpful in a clinical setting, as it provides some clients with a useful coping tool and provides a way to open conversations about difficult topics or emotions. But they cautioned that therapists need to consider individual differences to avoid harm. When humor goes too dark Not everyone is built for dark humor, they found. For certain people — such as individuals who are highly sensitive, deeply empathetic, or wired with a strong sense of moral order — dark humor feels more like emotional shrapnel than a coping superpower. For them, jokes about death, disaster, or taboo topics don’t offer relief; they only create more tension. It can also backfire for people with high neuroticism or unresolved trauma. If the joke hits too close to home for them, it becomes a trigger that stirs up anxiety or resurfaces deep pain instead of serving as a pressure valve for release emotions. Know when to hold ‘em The bottom line is that dark humor is a healthy, resilience-building tool for many people. But it’s also important to pay attention to whether it is serving as an emotional outlet or if it is being used to push emotions — or other people — away. Healthy dark humor creates a sense of connection and understanding that we’re in this together; unhealthy dark humor creates distance and can alienate others. So the next time you’re tempted to drop a joke so bleak it needs its own emotional support animal, remember that dark humor is a tool, not a weapon. Use it wisely and aim for connection, not collateral damage.
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science

The Surprising Power of Laughing at Yourself

When John Travolta famously (and curiously) introduced Idina Menzel as “Adele Dazeem” at the 2014 Academy Awards, the moment instantly went viral. It was awkward, unexpected, and became one of the most recognizable celebrity faux pas of the last decade. But what mattered most wasn’t the incident itself; it was how Travolta handled it afterward. Instead of hiding from the mistake, he laughed at himself. He joked about it in interviews, participated in a playful on‑stage reunion with Menzel the following year, and embraced the moment with good humor. The star’s willingness to laugh at his own mistake made him appear more relatable and authentic — and it turns out you don’t need a huge television audience to get the same response to your own human missteps. Can laughing at ourselves make us more likable? A recent study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology looked at what happens when someone reacts to a harmless mistake with amusement instead of embarrassment. Across six studies involving more than 3,200 participants, the researchers found a consistent pattern: when a faux pas causes no harm, laughing at yourself makes you more likable. As the authors put it, “those who display amusement … are seen as warmer, more competent, and more authentic.” That’s because most observers already view everyday blunders as benign. When someone responds with visible embarrassment — avoiding eye contact, blushing, shrinking back — it often is interpreted as a case of excessive self‑consciousness. But when they laugh, it shows emotional calibration: a reaction that matches the true seriousness of the moment. That alignment makes the person seem confident, approachable, and genuine. However, the study notes an important boundary: Laughing at yourself is beneficial only when the faux pas is harmless. If a mistake harms someone — such as spilling coffee on a stranger, damaging property, or causing inconvenience — people expect a display of concern or remorse. In such situations, an amused reaction comes off as insensitive. But for the vast majority of everyday stumbles, a lighthearted response is not only appropriate; it’s socially powerful. Be human, not perfect The overriding theme of the research is simple and uplifting: People don’t expect perfection. They expect humanity. When you laugh at yourself after a harmless mistake, you show others that you’re comfortable in your own skin. You signal warmth, confidence, and authenticity. And you turn a fleeting moment of awkwardness into an opportunity for connection. In a world where we often feel pressure to present ourselves flawlessly, this study reminds us that joy, humility, and humor are some of the most compelling qualities we can share.
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science

Is Social Media Bringing Us Closer — Or Pushing Us Apart?

Social media was designed to bring us together, connecting us with family and friends no matter the distance — but what happens when it does the opposite? A study recently published in the Journal of American College Health suggests that excessive social media use among college students may be associated with an increased likelihood of loneliness. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati investigated social media use and loneliness among college students in the United States. The study included nearly 65,000 undergraduate students age 18 to 24 from 120 four-year colleges or universities. Breaking Down Social Media Habits Students were asked to estimate how much time they spent on social media each week. Spending more than 16 hours a week (or two or more hours a day) was considered high use, and about 13% of participants fell into this category. The largest group (37%) spent between one to five hours a week on social media, while the second-largest group (31%) used it for six to 10 hours. Female students, on average, reported using social media more than male students. Those same students also shared how often they felt lonely by answering a few simple questions on whether they felt left out, isolated from others, or lacked companionship. More than half of the students (54%) reported feeling lonely based on these responses. The Link Between Screen Time and Loneliness What stood out most was the connection between time spent on social media and loneliness. Students who reported using social media for more than 16 hours a week were significantly more likely to feel lonely. And the more time they spent online, the stronger that connection became. Those using social media for more than 30 hours a week were 38% more likely to feel lonely than those who didn’t use it at all. While the study highlights a strong connection, it’s not always clear whether social media leads to loneliness — or if people who feel lonely are more likely to spend time online. It’s important to note that not all social media use was associated with loneliness. Students who reported using social media less than 16 hours a week were not more likely to experience loneliness compared to those who didn’t use it at all. Rebuilding Connection Offline Young adults are already at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness. They are twice as likely to report loneliness as people over the age of 66, and research suggests that loneliness is often highest around ages 18 and 19. New stressors related to identity, independence, distance from family, attending college, or entering the workforce might contribute to feelings of loneliness. In light of the findings, Dr. Ashley L Merianos, one of the paper’s authors, suggested that public health strategies should focus on helping students build more offline connections, especially given that excessive social media use may be replacing meaningful interactions.
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science

Feeling Overwhelmed? Take a Nature Break to Calm Your Mind

Spending time in nature has always been a great way to find your Zen. But new research suggests it may be an even more powerful way to calm the mind than previously thought. According to a review of more than 100 studies, stepping outside into a green space — even for just a few minutes — can dramatically shift your brain activity into a more calm, balanced state. In a comprehensive review published in Neurosciences & Biobehavioral Reviews, researchers at McGill University and Adolfo Ibáñez University in Chile analyzed more than a decade of studies using EEG, fMRI, and other brain scanning methods. That analysis revealed compelling and consistent patterns showing exposure to nature quiets activity in the brain’s stress center. Mar Estarellas, a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Psychiatry at McGill University and co-author of the study, says: “We know intuitively that nature feels good, but neuroscience gives us a language that lends credibility to shaping decisions about how nature is considered in health policy and the spaces we build.” Four Signs Your Brain is Responding to Nature According to the research, there are four ways the brain responds when we spend more time in the natural world: More efficient sensory processing, because natural scenes are easier for the brain to interpret. A reduced stress response leading to relaxation and slower heart rates. Restored attention, helping to ease mental fatigue and improve concentration. Reduced rumination, which may allow a deeper, more calming connection to something bigger than yourself. Nature Helps Quiet the Mind It appears that nature has a way to tame your worry and shifts your brain waves into calmer rhythms. In one study, participants who took a 90-minute walk in nature showed a reduction in rumination compared to those who walked in dense urban settings. Other EEG studies consistently show increases in the brain waves associated with relaxed alertness and meditative states during exposure to nature. At the same time, brain waves associated with stress and cognitive overload tend to decrease. These changes could occur in a little as 10 minutes. Long-Term Brain Benefits Large-scale MRI studies have also shown that people who live near greener, more natural environments may exhibit differences in the brain structure associated with stronger attention and better memory. Among children, greater exposure to green spaces has been linked with improved cognitive performance and fewer attention-related difficulties. Researchers contend that repeated restorative experiences in nature can even build up over time, potentially leading to greater resilience and brain health over an entire lifespan. There have been studies to suggest measurable benefits to artificial nature experiences, such as videos and images. However, real-world, multisensory experiences tend to provide better results. How to Add Green into Your Routine While most of us probably don’t live in the wilderness, there are still simple ways to welcome more nature into your life: Take a short 10-to-15-minute walk in a local park, garden, or tree-lined street to bring more calm. If you have time, longer outdoor exposures, such as a hike, may provide stronger restorative effects. Look for places that will engage your senses, such as flowing water, vivid and varied greenery, or lots of singing birds. If you can’t make it outdoors, house plants and even images or videos can help. The next time you are feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and busyness of life, remember that one of the most powerful reset buttons for your brain may be waiting just outside your front door.
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Positive Psychology

Hope is Under Strain in America. Here’s Why

On a scale from 0 to 10 — where zero is your worst possible life and 10 is the best — where do you expect to find yourself five years from now? That tough question makes you think about the kind of life you’re currently living, your hopes and dreams for the future, and even the state of the country and world and how that might affect you. Gallup has been asking that question as part of its National Health and Well-Being Index for the past 20 years. And in 2025, those results hit a record low: fewer adults in the United States feel good about the future. This data shows that, for many Americans, it’s challenging to envision a future that will bring about a better life. This loss of hope doesn’t just impact us as individuals; it affects our communities and the collective future we all hope for: one conducive to well-being for all. What the Poll Says The Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index surveys over 20,000 U.S. adults throughout the year, across five elements of well-being (career, social, financial, physical, and community). In the portion of the survey assessing current and future life satisfaction, respondents rate their present life and their life in five years on a scale from 0 to 10. Here are some significant findings from 2025: Just 59.2% of U.S. adults believe their lives in five years will be at 7 or better; this is the lowest number since the survey began in 2008. Future life ratings have decreased about 9% since 2020, meaning that almost 25 million fewer people are optimistic about the future in 2025 than in 2020. The drop in future life satisfaction from 2024 to 2025 was the largest among Hispanic adults. Current life ratings also sit at an almost record low (second only to 2020). Less than half of U.S. adults (48%) are what Gallup considers “thriving” (rating their current life at 7 or higher and future life at 8 or higher). Why We’re Losing Hope So what’s the deal with this recent drop in optimism and hope? “When fewer U.S. adults rate their future highly compared to prior years, it tells us something important about the emotional climate people are living in,” says Dr. Robyne Hanley‑Dafoe, resiliency expert and author of I Hope So: How to Choose Hope, Even When It Is Hard. “Over the past several years, individuals have navigated prolonged uncertainty, economic pressure, political division, social unrest, and collective fatigue,” she shares. That type of stress changes how you view the future. Instead of being excited for it, you can become scared of or even threatened by it. Why Hope Matters Hope is not the blind expectation that the future will be better. It is the belief that the future can be better, and in the power of agency and action. “Hope is not naïve. It is strategic. And in moments like this, it is one of our most important psychological resources,” Dr. Robyne explains. She says research consistently shows that hopeful individuals cope better with stress, demonstrate greater perseverance and resilience, and experience better well-being outcomes. Having hope can help us navigate hardship and challenge, improving the chances of achieving goals and dreams. While hearing that hope in the U.S. is at a record low may make you even less, well, hopeful, Dr. Robyne encourages us to see it differently: “It would be a mistake to conclude that hope is disappearing,” she says. “In my work, I see something different. I see people craving hope. I see people searching for ways to rebuild their sense of direction and possibility.” What is essential about this moment, especially given these findings, is that individuals and communities are shown that hope can be restored and cultivated through intentional action. Steps to Restore Hope Restoring a sense of hope in our society may seem daunting, but even small steps every day can help hope blossom. Cultivate Agency. Restoring a sense of agency is key to reigniting hope, Dr. Robyne says. One simple way to do that is to set small goals that align with your personal values. When we demonstrate to ourselves that we can influence outcomes by accomplishing small goals, we reinforce that essential sense of agency. Prioritize Connection. Connection, connection, connection. It’s what the research says is crucial to a life well lived (see The Harvard Study of Adult Development) and what Dr. Robyne believes is critical to restoring hope. Sharing a space and sharing stories become powerful steps in helping us imagine a better future and trust that it can come to fruition. “When we share stories of effort, recovery, and forward movement, we normalize struggle and model possibility. Communities that emphasize shared responsibility and collective action create the conditions where hope can take root and strengthen,” Dr. Robyne explains. Let this data act as a wake-up call — a call to begin prioritizing hope again, to once again believe in our own agency, to share stories of possibility and action, and to embrace hope for ourselves and nurture it in our communities.
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