Happiness and Wellness: 3 Ways to Be Happier by Being Healthier

A woman wearing workout clothes while stretching outside.

How are happiness and wellness connected? What are some practical ways to get these significant parts of your life to work together? Sonja Lyubomirsky contends that you can assert some control over your long-term happiness by boosting your physical and mental health. She recommends three strategies to help you strengthen your mental and physical resilience, deepen your appreciation for life, and live authentically. Continue reading to find out more about these strategies and outcomes that illustrate the natural link between happiness and wellness.

Not All Clean Skincare Products Are Safe—Here’s Why

A woman washing her face in the sink as the faucet runs.

Are your “clean” skincare products toxic? Why are cosmetics so under-regulated? Which ingredients should you avoid? Nobody wants to use moisturizer or shampoo that will compromise their health. But many personal care products on your local drugstore’s shelves contain ingredients that experts say are unsafe—including some labeled “clean” and “non-toxic.” Keep reading to learn which skincare ingredients you should avoid and which are actually clean.

Dr. Amen: SPECT Imaging Beats Symptom-Based Diagnosis

X-rays of the human brain

What’s SPECT imaging? How does it aid in brain dysfunction diagnosis and subsequent treatment plans? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen’s approach is informed by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography) scans—a type of brain imaging that shows a brain’s blood flow and electrical activity. According to Dr. Amen, SPECT imaging revealed the flaws of traditional treatment. Read more to learn about SPECT scans and how they’re a useful tool for brain health.

Dr. Amen: Mental Health Impacts Your Brain Health

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How does your mental health affect your thinking? What kind of friends are particularly good for your health? Psychiatrist Daniel G. Amen takes a holistic approach to brain health. According to Dr. Amen, mental health—including your thought patterns, social connections, and spiritual beliefs and practices—affects your brain’s well-being. Keep reading to take a closer look at how your mental health impacts your brain health.

The Power of the Placebo Effect: How to Use It Like Magic

A brain dressed as a magician holding a wand

How does the placebo effect work? Are placebos limited to pharmaceuticals? How susceptible are you to them? The placebo effect is a common phenomenon in which the mind and body behave counter to reason. Rory Sutherland says you can use it in life and work. He looks at how the placebo effect works, the characteristics of effective placebos, and how the effect manifests in areas of life beyond medicine. Read more to learn about the power of the placebo effect and how to use it to an advantage.

Dr. Amen: Anxiety Remedies That Can Heal Your Brain

An anxious man thinking about cars, babies, and work.

Are you anxious when the situation doesn’t call for it? Do you always expect the worst to happen? Is your stress level high? According to Dr. Amen, anxiety doesn’t have to be part of your life. In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, he shares several recommendations. Some of these require professional intervention, but you can do a few on your own. Read more to learn how to heal the parts of your brain that generate anxiety.

What Do the Basal Ganglia Do? Dr. Amen Explains Their Roles

A blue glowing brain

What do the basal ganglia do? What roles do they play when it comes to your emotions, decisions, and learning? Whether you’ve ever heard of them or not, your basal ganglia make a big difference in your life. In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen explains how important this system in your brain is. Read more to learn what the basal ganglia do.

How to Stop Feeling Nervous: Tackling Basal Ganglia Dysfunction

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Do you experience unwarranted or excessive nervousness? Do you bite your nails or have other compulsive habits? Psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen argues that basal ganglia dysfunction might be to blame if you’re nervous or worried much of the time. He discusses the symptoms and shares several treatments that could calm your nerves. Keep reading to learn how to stop feeling nervous by addressing basal ganglia dysfunction.

Limbic System Dysfunction: Symptoms & Remedies (Dr. Amen)

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Do you feel more guilty than you probably should? Do you have trouble sleeping? Is it hard for you to concentrate? If you answered “Yes” to any of these questions, you might suffer from limbic system dysfunction. In his book Change Your Brain, Change Your Life, psychiatrist and brain health expert Daniel G. Amen lays out the common symptoms and provides several recommendations to restore your system to health. Continue reading to learn about symptoms of—and repairs for—limbic system dysfunction.