Happiness

An Overweight man at a gym
Happiness

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.

A woman enjoys a pottery project.
Happiness

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.

mom and daughter swinging
Happiness

A Parent’s Guide to Dietary Discussions

Knowing how to talk to a child about their health is key to empowering them to make smart choices. Here are tips on how to start a dialogue.

hygge philosophy
Happiness

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.

Woman exercising and listening to music
Happiness

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.

Father and daughter playing in front of the Christmas tree while mom looks on in the background.
Happiness

Tips for a Mindful Holiday

Adopting a mindful mindset can help you have a holiday that’s more relaxed, intentional and joyful. These tips can help you do just that.

One young woman sitting alone on edge of footbridge and staring at lake and cloudy sky in summer day. Thinking about life. Spending time alone in nature. Peaceful atmosphere. Back view.
Happiness

Feel Summertime Sadness? You’re Not Alone

Do you find yourself feeling blue during the summer? You may have summer seasonal mood disorder. Here are the signs and what you can do about it.

Teenage girl packing Christmas gifts in a car after shopping. She wears a protective mask to protect from corona virus COVID-19.
Happiness

Self-Care Tips During the Holidays

Setting aside time to do good things for yourself is the gift that keeps giving all season long.

Disabled college student sitting at outdoor desk
Happiness

Tips for Managing Stress When You’re at College

If you are heading off to college, read these tips about prioritizing your physical and mental health while away.

Three women posing for a picture with heart glasses on
Happiness

Guide to a Great Galentine’s Day

This February, don't forget to celebrate the women who make your life great, too.

Light therapy is a common treatment for a variety of conditions, from auto-immune disorders like psoriasis and eczema, to wound healing, to depression and seasonal affective disorder, to circadian rhythm sleep disorders
Happiness

Does the Winter Gloom Make You SAD? Here’s How to Treat it

Seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, is a type of depression that is believed to be triggered by changes in the amount of daylight during certain seasons.

Friends walking dog on the beach
Happiness

Fit Like Fido: 5 Healthy Habits You Can Learn From Your Dog

Your dog might slobber and snore, but it also lives a pretty healthy life. Here’s how to find inspiration from your pup to live your healthiest life.

Head shot peaceful young woman lying on pillows on comfortable sofa, listening music or positive affirmations in modern headphones with closed eyes, relaxing alone at home, domestic hobby concept.
Happiness

Why Positive Affirmations are a Healthy Way to Begin 2021

These bite-sized mantras have risen in popularity. See what they can do for your mind and body in 2021.

The hand writes on a white page in the daily planner.Student, study, synopsis. Affirmations, visualization, to-do lists. Plan, strategy, dream, desire. Cards with words. Concept, project.
Happiness

31 Days of Positive Affirmations to Ring in the New Year

If you want to start the new year with a dose of optimism, try selecting a daily affirmation.

Hand turns a dice and changes the expression "new year" to "new start".
Happiness

Resolutions for a New Year Amid COVID-19

With the ending of a difficult year, there’s an opportunity to reset for a better for a better 2021. Plan for a healthier year with these tips.

Cropped shot of a mother and daughter spending quality time while baking at home
Happiness

Is It Possible to Keep Holiday Traditions Alive This Year?

Big holiday gatherings are seen as high-risk in this COVID-19 era, so families are looking for new ways to keep traditions at the forefront.

tudent learning at home. African woman sitting at home and writing in her journal.
Happiness

5 Ways a Journal Can Help You Feel Happier

Using a journal can help you solve problems effectively, reduce stress and anxiety and cope with emotional traumas, including grief and loss.

Man and woman couple hikers trekking in yellow autumn woods and mountains. Young people walking on trek trail with backpacks, healthy lifestyle adventure, camping on hiking trip, Poland.
Happiness

Why Spending on Experiences Can Lead to Greater Happiness

Can the way we spend money contribute to happiness? Find out how spending money on experiences rather than material "things" might lead to more satisfaction.

Dad helping his little boy put a puzzle together
Happiness

What the Pandemic Taught Us: Finding the Positive in a Tumultuous Year 

This year has been tough, but there have been lessons to carry forward. As we look ahead to 2021, take a second to pause and reflect on the good from 2020.

Couple in winter running together in nature
Happiness

Don’t be SAD this Winter: Exercise to Fight the Winter Blues

When you’re experiencing the winter blues, exercise is probably the last thing you want to do, but research shows it can help improve your mood.

Family gathered around a table
Happiness

4 Ways to Keep Anxiety Out of Your Holiday Planning

COVID-19 is putting a twist in holiday plans this year. But a little prep work ahead of time will make this year’s celebrations smoother.

New normal online Christmas celebration. Cute sibling using laptop and festive fun props to celebrate Christmas with father via video chat, happy holidays, outdoor
Happiness

Ideas to Keep the Family Connected this Holiday Season

From virtual chats decked out in your holiday best, to recipe swaps of your family’s favorites, there are ways to celebrate together while apart this season.

Shot of a beautiful young woman practicing yoga at home
Happiness

The Importance of Practicing Gratitude

Feeling thankful for what you have can improve your life in so many ways. We’re sharing some tips for learning the art of practicing gratitude.

Two men embracing empathy and hugging
Happiness

Real Men Have Feelings

A long history of stereotypes present men as either emotionless or weak when they do express emotions. It's time for these stereotypes to change.

African woman reducing stress do yoga exercise to calm down
Happiness

Do You Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Noticing a persistent, excessive, and unrealistic worry about everyday things lately? Read on to see if you meet the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

Dad having serious talk with son
Happiness

The Suicide Warning Signs You Need to Know About

September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month. If you or someone you know has been showing signs of self-harm, here’s how you can help.

Worried African American woman using cell phone while working at home.
Happiness

Staying Positive in the Face of Negative Headlines

Overwhelming news stories and stats can quickly put us in a funk. Finding joy in the everyday can help.

Mentorship in the office
Happiness

Do You Have a Coach in Your Life?

You might be years removed from playing organized sports but life coaches can often play a valuable role in helping you reach life goals.

Happiness

Good Mood Foods: What to Eat to Feel Fantastic

The foods we eat are more closely connect to our emotions than you think. Here are the healthy foods to eat to boost your mood.

Man writing out his to-do list
Happiness

Find the Motivation to Get Things Done  

Lack of motivation can put a strain on your mental health. Follow these tips to re-start if you're in a rut.

Man with his senior mom
Happiness

5 Simple Ways to Show Your Parents Appreciation

If it’s been awhile since you’ve said thanks to your parents, there’s no time like the present. Here are some simple ways to show appreciation.

Friends taking a walk enjoying ice cream
Happiness

The Health Benefits of Close Friendships

Research points to a variety of ways friendships benefit our well-being. It might be time to give your bestie a call!

Unhappy woman on a vacation staring into the distance
Happiness

When Happiness is Hard: The Facts About Summertime Depression

The song goes “Summertime and the living is easy.” But for some, that’s not always the case.

Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis
Happiness

Three Places To View Michigan’s Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are tricky to plan for and often unpredictable. Here are some tips and a few of the best places to view them in Michigan.

family hiking on trail in the woods
Happiness

Hiking in Michigan: Where to Go and How to Start 

Hiking in Michigan? This comprehensive guide includes tips on what to pack, how much food and drink you’ll need and how to stay safe on the trail.

Woman relaxing in grass smelling a flower
Happiness

Using Your 5 Senses to Calm Anxiety

Use your senses of sight, touch, hearing, smell and taste to center your mind when you're feeling anxious. Try this mindfulness technique to overcome worries.

hiking trail in Michigan
Happiness

Want to Be More Outdoorsy? Start Small

Like the idea of getting outdoors more often but aren't sure where to start? Take small steps to build your confidence in nature.

pensive woman in front of the window
Happiness

How You Can Help #EndTheStigma of Mental Health Conditions

People with mental health issues often stay silent due to feelings of shame. Here’s how to help overcome that stigma.

A multi-ethnic group of young adults are taking a yoga class together at the gym. They are meditating with their eyes closed and focusing on their breathing.
Happiness

How Yoga Breathing Can Reduce Your Stress Level

Stress is usually part of your daily routine. However, incorporating yoga and different types of breathing into your daily routine can help lower your stress.

Dad and daughter standup paddleboarding
Happiness

In Praise of #GirlDads and Empowering Father Figures

A salute to all the dads and father figures raising strong, confident girls.

woman hugging herself wrapped in blanket
Happiness

No More Body Shaming: 5 Ways to Love Yourself and Others

Every time you think something mean about your own body or someone else’s, you are hurting your own happiness. Here’s how to stop.

Man holding his dog
Happiness

Finding New Purpose in Life as We Age  

It’s important for older adults to seek meaningful ways to stay engaged for their mental health. These research-backed ideas can help seniors find purpose.

person talking to therapist in therapy session
Happiness

Dispelling the Top 4 Myths About Talking to a Therapist

Therapy can be beneficial for anyone who feels they need a listening ear while they work through something going on in their lives.

Candles Lit Inside a Home
Happiness

Get Fresher Indoor Air

In the summer, opening the windows to let the fresh air in helps improve indoor air quality, but here are some steps to help you breathe easy all year-long.

Woman looking at her phone smiling
Happiness

The Bright Side: Add Some Positivity to Your Social Feed

Is your social scrolling bringing you down? Add some positivity to your feed with these fun and positive accounts to follow.

Brianna Neace and her son
Happiness

Pandemic Parenting: It’s Not Perfect and That’s Okay

The struggle is real. Author Brianna Neace shares her take on parenting through a pandemic - the good, the messy and a healthy dose of grace and understanding.

Scavenger Hunt map laying in grass
Happiness

How to Plan a Scavenger Hunt

You can create a hunt that is kid-friendly or opt for a more difficult set of clues for adults. It really is whatever you decide.

Woman looking at computer screen
Happiness

The Importance of Speaking Up About Your Mental Health Struggles

Professional athlete Kevin Love shares his mental health struggles, here’s why it’s important to be vocal about your own experiences

person holding cupcake while having a video conference call
Happiness

How To Throw a Virtual Party

You can still have plenty of fun and enjoy the company of your loved ones by throwing a virtual party.

Young family having a picnic
Happiness

The Perfect Backyard Picnic Checklist

Do you plan on having a picnic soon? If so, check out this post to make sure you're completely prepared.

Happiness

Your Guide to Finding and Cooking with the Elusive Morel Mushroom

Morel mushrooms usually grow in the wild and are rarely farmed. We share how to find them in nature and prepare them for a dish when you do.

A boy and girl sitting at a table sewing fabric
Happiness

Little Life Skills Everyone Should Know

Of course education is important and school learning should be a priority, but there are also plenty of lessons kids can learn outside of the classroom.

Woman painting a picture
Happiness

In a Rut? 12 Ways to Move Forward with Positivity

From creative outlets to health and wellness changes, there are plenty of ways to work on yourself. Here are our favorite ideas.

Happiness

10 Ways to Maximize Productivity When You Work from Home

If you’ve recently had to shift to working from home, you might be feeling confused or overwhelmed with your new work environment. These tips can help.

Woman voting in gymnasium
Happiness

Your Voice, Your Choice: Why Voting is Good for Your Health

Beyond the mere satisfaction you may receive from helping select the next president, voting also has some surprising health benefits.

Woman dancing cleaning her apartment
Happiness

Can You Get In a Workout While Spring Cleaning? You Bet!

Simple work outs to add to your daily chores around the house

Happiness

7 Surprising Ways to Fight Seasonal Affective Disorder

Are these winter months getting you down? These tips will help you relieve seasonal affective disorder symptoms.

Girl holding hands in the shape of a heart
Happiness

The Science of Love

What happens in our body when we believe we’re falling in love? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve Cupid and his bow and arrow.

Woman shopping for flowers
Happiness

Practice a Little Self-Compassion this Month

Self-compassion doesn’t depend on meeting certain ideals or reaching possibly unrealistic goals. It comes from caring for yourself as you are.

new years resolutions
Happiness

Seven Healthy Habits to Try in the New Year

Ready to embrace a healthier lifestyle? Bring in the new year with these seven life-changing habits.

Business people group discussing work plan with coach at meeting
Happiness

The Best Advice We’ve Received From Mentors

Some pieces of advice tend to resonate with us more than others. Here are some of the best pieces of advice members of our team have received:

Little girl holding flower
Happiness

How to Start a Gratitude Practice

Gratitude can help you view life with different eyes. Find out how to start your own practice.

Happiness

Beat Holiday Stress with These Four Meditation Apps

Feel a lot less stressed over the holidays with these meditation apps aimed to help you relax, sleep, and calm anxiety

Woman in stress about Christmas holidays
Happiness

How to Avoid the Holiday Blues

More than half of Americans consider the holidays stressful. Here are some tips on how to navigate the season and avoid the holiday blues.

Two women walk down a city street holding shopping bags
Happiness

Why In-Store Shopping Is Good for You

Online shopping lacks some of the health, social and environmental benefits of shopping in-store.

Financial Goal Setting
Happiness

Get SMART About Financial Goal Setting

When setting and sticking to financial goals, it’s important to determine short- and long-term priorities.

Girl standing alone on a cloudy gloomy day
Happiness

Lifting the ‘Lead Blanket’ of Seasonal Affective Disorder

As fall transitions to winter, the decrease in sunlight may have a deep impact on your mental wellbeing.

Sad woman turned away from group
Happiness

Stopping Health-Related Stigmas

Unfortunately, many illnesses and conditions, both physical and mental, are stigmatized in society.

Son kissing mother
Happiness

Small Ways to Brighten Someone’s Day

Sometimes even the slightest action can make someone happy. Here are some of the ways we participate in random acts of kindness during the holidays:

Parents and daughter picking out decorations
Happiness

The Best Gift of the Holiday Season: Tradition

Ultimately, it’s not the gifts you remember, but the people and experiences you shared that live on for years to come.

Young woman and older woman smiling
Happiness

The Health Benefits of Gratitude

Gratitude is more than a feeling. It's a mental, physical and spiritual behavior that can drastically impact your health.

Woman pushing her mom in a wheelchair
Happiness

Even Heroes Need Encouragement

In this post from the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, find out why caregivers deserve our respect as the heroes they are.

daughter talking to mother in wheelchair
Happiness

Comedy, Caution and Caregiving: Breeda Miller’s Journey

Caregiving can be stressful, but there are small ways to embrace the journey. Read about Breeda Miller's experience and what she learned from it.

Little girl doing cartwheels in the leaves
Happiness

Tips for Managing ADHD Symptoms Beyond Medication

October is National ADHD Awareness Month and this article highlights some tips to curb ADHD symptoms beyond medication.

hike in the autumn forest
Happiness

Michiganders Share Favorite Fall Color Hikes

It's officially fall in Michigan – but that doesn’t mean it’s time to hunker down inside just yet.

DeAndre singing with the Detroit Youth Choir.
Happiness

Detroit Youth Choir Member Has “High Hopes” for America’s Got Talent Finale

DeAndre “Dre” Elliott has been performing with the Detroit Youth Choir since the 4th grade. Read about his experience performing on America’s Got Talent.

Little girl celebrates her horsey house call
Happiness

Camp Casey: Providing Help, Horses and Happiness

Camp Casey is a non-profit organization that was established in 2004 with the mission of bringing smiles to kids with cancer and rare blood diseases.

Nurse holding baby with medal
Happiness

Medals4Mettle: Rewarding Life’s Hardest Races

Medals4Mettle collects old earned medals from long-distance runs such as half-marathons, marathons and triathlons and gives them to kids in the hospital.

Kids swinging on carnival ride
Happiness

Michigan Labor Day Festivals We Love

It’s not too late to make plans for Labor Day weekend!

two people at a coffee table having a serious conversation
Happiness

The Power of Saying “No”

You may feel obligated to say yes all the time, but one of your greatest tools is the word “no.”

Elizabeth holding Maryn
Happiness

“Detroit Mom” Founder Candid About Breastfeeding Challenges

Elizabeth Lewis runs “Detroit Mom”, a website designed to support parents. She said pressure on moms makes them question their infant feeding choices.

Young man smiling with proud dad watching in background
Happiness

A Survival Guide for College Move-In

Going to college is a huge step in your life, and there is a lot to do before moving in. Read here to find out more!

coffee and dessert
Happiness

25 Ways to Treat Yourself

Sometimes you need a little pick-me-up to get through the work week. Read up on some fun, inexpensive ideas.

Angela Moore leading a workout class
Happiness

Empowering Woman: Angela Moore Opens Up About Her Life’s Work

At her integrated health studio, The Body Principle, Angela Moore helps clients weave mental health, fitness and nutrition together for complete transformation.

young woman relaxing
Happiness

Small Steps to Simplify Life

Simplification looks different for everyone and each person has their own method that works for them. Here are some of our tips on how we keep things simple.

Woman stressed at her desk
Happiness

My Struggle with Perfectionism

Being perfect isn't always a good thing. Perfectionism can negatively impact your life. Make sure you know the signs and how to cope.

Kids playing tag
Happiness

Get Your Kids Outside with These Old-School Games

Do you remember the games you used to play as a kid? Introduce them to your kids to get them outside this summer.

violin up close
Happiness

The Health Benefits of Classical Music

Studies have shown that listening to classical music can have several health benefits, including stress reduction and better sleep.

cherries
Happiness

It’s National Cherry Festival Time

Heading to Traverse City for the National Cherry Festival? Check out our top picks for activities that will help you enjoy some healthy, active fun.

The Mackinac Bridge
Happiness

From ‘Yooper’ to ‘Mackinac’: Understanding Michigan-isms

What's a Michigan-ism? Terms and places unique to our state that visitors might not understand. Read our guide and share your favorites in the comments.

Dad and Daughter
Happiness

The Best Lessons from Our Fathers

This Father's Day, some of the A Healthier Michigan team decided to share the best advice our dads gave to us throughout the years.

Family moving into a new home
Happiness

Coping with Change

Dealing with changes due to a new job, moving, losing a loved one, getting married or having a baby can be difficult. Here are coping tips to help you adjust.

Grandfather and grandson working together in the garden.
Happiness

Seven Ways to Avoid the Post-Retirement Blues

As they enter retirement, seniors may struggle with their value or sense of purpose. Here are seven meaningful activities for post-retirement life.

Phone Apps
Happiness

Seven Apps to Help You Feel Happier and Less Stressed

Did you know that there are some pretty great apps that focus on your mental health?

Young woman looking thoughtful
Happiness

Feeling Lonely? How to Connect

Nearly half of Americans often feel alone or left out. Learn how to cope with loneliness and how to implement strategies to help you feel connected.

Image of sign that says "Find Your Strong"
Happiness

Sharing My Depression and Anxiety Coping Tips

For this writer, talking openly about her depression and anxiety is a way to let others know they’re not alone and that seeking treatment is important.

Mom reading to a toddler
Happiness

The Best Advice Our Moms Gave Us

In honor of Mother's Day, the A Healthier Michigan team reflected on the best advice we received from our moms and we're sharing it here.

Two women laughing together
Happiness

Love the Skin You’re In

Adjusting to aging skin in midlife can be trying in a youth-focused society. Read up on accepting your skin at every age and when to see a dermatologist.

Potted plant on table
Happiness

Houseplants: Nature’s Air Purifiers

Houseplants are often chosen for their decorative nature, but research has shown that houseplants offer many benefits to our health.

playful seniors having fun together and dancing
Happiness

Working Out Effective for Reducing Parkinson’s Symptoms

Newer research has also found that exercise may have a neuroprotective effect, meaning it can protect from neuron degeneration.

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