Mind
How I Learned to Manage Impulsive and Intrusive Thoughts
Mental health advocate and contributor Monica Drake shares how she learned the difference between impulsive and intrusive thoughts -- and how they affect her mental health.
Overcoming Post-Vacation Blues
If getting back from a trip gives you the blues, here’s how to overcome post-vacation depression.
Advice for Coping with Holiday Blues
Contributor Monica Drake shares what you can do if the holidays aren’t feeling so joyful right now.
‘Alcohol is Not Your Friend:’ BCBSM Medical Director of Behavioral Health Digs into His Passion for Advocating Against Alcohol Abuse
Dr. William T. Beecroft has advocated against alcohol abuse for much of his 40-plus-year health care career. Here, he reflects and shares some candid thoughts.
3 Ways to Avoid Overeating During the Holidays
Holidays can mean overeating to the point of stretchy pants and undoing some waistband buttons. But they don’t have to.
8 Ways to Stop Holiday Stress Before It Starts
The holidays are as stressful as they are joyous. When it comes to shopping, traveling, decorating and family time, here are ways to mitigate the stress.
Health Benefits of Using a Sauna
Superheated environments like saunas have physical and mental health benefits.
How Change – Even Good Change – Affects My Anxiety
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about one of the biggest triggers for her anxiety -- change -- as she prepared to get married.
How Your Gut Health Affects Your Mental Health
How does your brain keep connected to your gut, and what does it mean for your mental health?
What I Learned By Shifting to a Different Mirror
integrative health expert, keynote speaker, radio personality, and business owner. She's a NASM Master Trainer, PAngela T. Moore explains the different types of workouts available and how you can decide which one is best for you.
What are the Seven Principles of Mindfulness?
Taking time to clear your mind of thoughts, judgments and opinions can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. This practice is known as mindfulness.
The Benefits of Starting Your Child’s Yoga Practice
While it’s often thought of as an adult wellness activity, kids can realize the same health benefits by discovering their inner “yogi.” Why not start them early?
What is Intuitive Eating?
When you eat intuitively, you listen to your body. You trust it to let you know when you are full and satisfied. You also reject the new fad diet of the month. Here are the benefits and risks.
How Does Alcohol Affect My Sleep?
Booze before bed may seem like an OK way to help you doze off quickly. But the tradeoff is usually fragmented sleep, wakefulness and a very groggy day after.
This Suicide Prevention Month, I Remember.
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake writes about what Suicide Prevention Month means to her and why.
A Healthy Diet for People with Alzheimer’s
Can what you eat slow down age-related cognitive decline or early signs of Alzheimer’s?
How I Stay Healthy in College
School is back and so is the juggling act that comes with life on campus for college students. BCBSM'S 2023 corporate communications interns recently shared their diet, exercise and self-care regimens.
Know this Acronym to Help Prevent Suicide
Learn about WAIT, which offers simple suicide prevention advice.
The Power of a Routine in College
Having trouble staying organized at school? Adding structure to our lives can bring out the best versions of ourselves. Here's what a routine-oriented approach can offer.
Top 5 Red Flags in Friendships
Recognizing and addressing the red flags in a friendship can be crucial to your mental and physical well-being. Start an open dialogue with your friend if you encounter these five red flags.
How I Protected My Mental Health While Dating
Since the unknown is one of the biggest triggers for my anxiety, it’s no wonder that dating had such an effect on me.
The Health Benefits of Grounding
Swim in a lake, walk in the grass or lay on the sand and you might get the benefits from grounding.
How Breastfeeding Affects Mental Health
When facing problems with breastfeeding, women may experience feelings of depression or symptoms similar to post traumatic stress syndrome.
Limiting Screen Time to Simplify Your Life
Most of us spend too much time on our phones. You’d be surprised how much mental clarity you gain by cutting down on your screen time.
Writing One Sentence Per Day: How it Helped My Creativity
Summer intern Mike Merucci shares how writing one sentence per day helped boost his creativity and his mental health.

Dopamine Detox: What You Need to Know
If you are a frequent social media user, you might have stumbled upon the latest health trend called a “dopamine detox.” But does it work?
Give it a Rest: The Health Benefits of Doing Nothing
It's a busy world. But when you take time to do nothing, you can passively check in on both your mental and physical health.
Starting College Out-of-State Was Scary. Here’s How I Coped.
Contributor and summer intern Caitlyn Begosa writes about starting her first year of college out-of-state, and how she learned to adapt.
Why I Started Hiking for Mental Clarity
Contributor and summer intern Olivia Durkee shares how hiking has helped her mental health and become an outlet for her stress.
How My Pets Helped My Mental Health
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how her pets have helped her mental health.
The Importance of Connecting with Old Friends
Reconnecting with an old friend can feel good. You being the one to initiate the contact can be good for both of you.
Six Ways to Improve Social Wellness
These six areas of social wellness can unlock a better, more well-rounded health profile.

Can You Beat These 5 Brain Teasers?
Brain teasers are not only fun but good mental exercise that supports a variety of cognitive functions.
Mental Health and Fitness: My Experience Becoming a Gym Regular
Summer intern Jenna Natwick shares how becoming a gym regular has helped her with her anxiety.
What is #luckygirlsyndrome?
Ready to follow the new trend of #luckygirlsyndrome? Here’s how to start.
Reduce Your Load if The Weight is Too Heavy
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares signs you're carrying too much weight — mentally and physically.
What Does it Feel Like to Have a Panic Attack?
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares her experience with panic attacks, and talks about the strategies that help her manage them.
How to Maintain Balance Between Mental and Physical Health
Did you know there’s a strong link between our mental and physical health? On this episode, we discuss how each affects the other and ways to maintain balance.
Summer Solstice Meditation
A Summer Solstice meditation session might be just the thing to get your mind and body in sync for summer.
Meditation Garden: Everything You Need to Create Your Own
As more people lean into meditation, here’s what to know about creating your own meditation garden.
Men's Health Month: Men Have Body Image Issues Too
Men worry about their appearance more than you think. Learn how to improve body image and get rid of negative thoughts once and for all.
Can Gardening Improve Mental Health?
On top of growing your own food and plants, you could be relieving stress and improving your attention span every time you get in the garden.
How My Anxiety Weighs on My Decision to Have Children
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how her anxiety has affected her feelings on having a family in the future.
How to Cope with Negative Body Image
From media to societal pressures, there’s a lot that can influence how we feel about our physical appearance. Here's how to cope with those feelings.
Practicing Mindfulness Without Meditation: My Mindfulness Journey
Contributor Mia Gallucci writes about trying to practice mindfulness without meditating — all while doing everyday activities.
Caregiving Can Be Stressful. Here Is How to Ask for Help.
Often unpaid caregivers sacrifice their health and well-being to meet the needs of a loved one. Here are some tips from the experts on how to ask for help.
How Resiliency Impacts Your Overall Health
Being resilient is about more than just your attitude. How well you handle the rollercoaster of life impacts your health.
Benefits of Spa Treatments for Stress Awareness Month
Relaxation is key to combating high stress levels. Spa treatments are a great way to reduce stress levels and achieve a level of relaxation.
Tips for Highly Productive People: How to Know When to Rest
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares how to know when it's time to take a break from work and rest.
Managing Remote Work Stress
Stress can creep up on all of us, especially if we’re juggling working from home. Here’s how to better manage remote work stress.
I Always Hated Exercise – Until I Saw How Much it Helped My Anxiety
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how starting an exercise routine has helped her manage her anxiety.
Mental Health Benefits of Birding
Spotting a warbler perched on a pine branch or a hawk soaring overhead can be thrilling. But birding also has mental health benefits.
Mental Health Benefits of Spring Cleaning
Removing clutter can have a positive impact on a person’s mood and mental health. Learn more about the mental benefits of spring cleaning.
Parli Italiano? What Learning a Language Taught Me About Myself
Contributor Mia Gallucci writes about her inspiration for learning a second language — a journey that took dedication and consistency.
How to Know When Stress Becomes Chronic
Frazzled? Anxious? Tense? What do we do when stress becomes long-lasting to the point where it’s noticeably weighing on us? Find out here.
Tips for Helping a Person in Recovery from Drugs or Alcohol
Helping someone who struggles with drug or alcohol addiction achieve recovery is a process that is different for everyone.
Why Laughing is Good for You
Like the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine. From a giggle to a guffaw, here are all the ways that laughing is good for you.
What Are Tiny Traumas?
Relationship issues, family drama and a tight budget all are things that can add up to tiny traumas.
Here is What I Did When Life Felt Pointless
Contributor and mental health advocate Monica Drake shares how she managed her feelings when life felt pointless — and how she got help.
4 Practical Ways to Start Living in the Present
Do you ever ask yourself, “Is it the weekend yet?” If you do, it might be time for you to start trying to find joy in the present.
Vitamin D May Help Prevent Dementia
Results from a new study that tracked thousands of people in the U.S. show regular vitamin D use may help prevent dementia.
Habits to Build a Heathy Relationship with Food
Guilt, remorse, stress: These have no place in our feelings about meals and snacks. Here’s how to improve your relationship with food.
Simple Ways to Love Yourself Every Day
It’s important to love yourself for who you are today. These self-care tips can help you love yourself a little more than you did yesterday.

6 Things You’re Forgetting to Spring Clean
There may be some parts of your life that may be more cluttered than you realize – and causing you stress. Here are six things to spring clean.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Sleep
Tired of tossing and turning? If you’re looking for more restful sleep, a weighted blanket might help.
Five Ways to Prepare for Daylight Saving Time
If the thought of springing your clock forward is not appealing, here are some ways to ease into Daylight Saving Time.
Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
Feeling down or like you’re having too many bad days? Here are a few things you can do to improve your mental health.
The Power of Journaling
Gracefully Greying health correspondent Lila Lazarus brings a new way to positively impact your health: journaling.
How Friends are Good for Brain Health
Can having good friends make your memory better? Here’s how social circles are good for your brain.
How to Get Back into Reading
Find your inner bookworm again with these tips for getting back into reading.
Taking Care of Your Heart and Mental Health Go Hand-in-Hand
Writer and mental health advocate Monica Drake offers a reminder for American Heart Month that taking care of your mental health is good for your heart.
Forming a Healthy Relationship with Food: West Michigan Dietitian Discusses Keys to Conquer an Eating Disorder
Finding “food freedom” should be a goal for anyone battling an eating disorder, according to an experienced dietician from West Michigan.
The Moment I Decided to Stop Being a Victim
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore shares her personal journey through trauma.
Disordered Eating vs. Feeding and Eating Disorders: Signs to Watch For
Learning the different types of eating disorders, as well as the signs of an eating problem, can help as a first step. Here’s what you need to know.
5 Ways to Shake Off the Winter Blues
It’s time to kick some of those cold-weather habits to the curb. Here are a few ways to beat the winter blues.
How to Deal With the Loss of Your Pet
Losing a pet can be very difficult. They’re more than just animals. Often, they are beloved members of the family.
How Painting Your Room Can Boost Your Mood
You might be able to change your mood as easily as you change your wall color. Here’s how a new coat of paint can boost your mood.
Sound Baths: How to Create One at Home
Surrounding yourself with vibrating and overlapping sounds can be relaxing. Here’s how to create a sound bath at home.
How Access to Diverse Stories Would Have Helped Me in High School
Monica Drake shares how reading books from diverse perspectives has helped her as an adult — and imagines how they could have helped her when she was younger.
Resolve to Make Self-Care a Priority in the New Year
Lose weight. Get a new job. Be happier. Instead of setting hard-to-reach goals, why not let self-care be a New Year’s resolution?
The Psychology Behind String Lights: Why They Can Make You Feel Better
From outdoor cafes to teens’ bedrooms, little strings of lights are popping up everywhere. What is it about them that makes you feel better?
Why You Should Try Self-Care Sunday
Setting aside an hour, a half-day or more to focus on activities that make you feel good, mentally and physically, is a trend worth trying.
Dry January? Tips to be Successful
Ready to put away the beer and wine? Ditch the liquor? Here’s how to make a Dry January work for you.
Postpartum Depression: When to Seek Help
When it’s not the “baby blues,” certain symptoms following childbirth could be postpartum depression. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Hygge: The Simple Philosophy That Will Make You Love Winter
Why do Danish people tend to rank higher in happiness? It just might have to do with hygge, their philosophy that’s all about coziness and self-care.
What is Make Up Your Mind Day?
Make Up Your Mind Day occurs every December. Do you know what it is all about? If you are the indecisive type, observing this day could help.
6 Healthy Ways to Ring in the New Year
This year, if you’re looking for an alternative to a New Year’s Eve party, try creating a healthier holiday tradition for you and your family.
How to Digitally Detox from Technology
Technologically, we’re living in a time where we’ve never been more connected in our lives. However, overuse of tech could impact our wellbeing. Find out how.
Are You Physically and Mentally Fit?
Licensed therapist, NASM master trainer and integrative health expert Angela T. Moore discusses the importance of talking about mental fitness.
What is SMART Goal Setting?
Have you heard of “SMART” goal setting? It’s a goal-setting approach that can help you set goals that are attainable and realistic.
New Year Doesn’t Have to Mean ‘New You’
Contributor Monica Drake dispels the myth that entering the new year has to mean changing yourself — and offers advice on how to increase self-confidence.
Mental Health Benefits of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an important vitamin that helps you stay healthy both mentally and physically.
5 Ways to Lift Your Spirits During the Holidays
Shopping, party planning and last-minute errands can cause holiday stress. Here’s how to lift your spirits and enjoy the season.
How Helping Others Helps You
You’ve likely heard the phrase “it’s better to give than receive.” But did you know that when we help others, it’s actually better for our health? Find out how.
Holiday Mindfulness Activities for Adults
Holidays can be stressful. Here’s how practicing mindfulness can help you get the most out of the season.
Mental Health Benefits of Holiday Baking
Baking is already a favorite holiday activity for many people, but research shows that baking can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Be Your Own Health Advocate
Being an advocate for health is not only important on the field, on the track, in the arena, or on the court; it is even more important in our daily lives.
The Science of Music and Mental Health: How to Put Together a Well-Being Playlist
Carefully and intentionally selecting and using your music can help you practice mindfulness and feel more in control of your feelings.
Health Benefits of Smiling
Smiling makes you feel better, science shows. Not feeling like grinning? Fake it until you feel better, doctors say.
How Food Can Boost Your Mental Health
What you eat can improve your mood and your overall brain health.