Well-being

If you feel your morning coffee puts a spring in your step, science has your back. In the first large-scale real-world study of its kind, researchers found that caffeine can significantly improve mood under certain conditions – especially in the morning.

A new international study found that a four-day workweek with no loss of pay significantly improved worker well-being, including lower burnout rates, better mental health, and higher job satisfaction, especially for individuals who reduced hours most.

Longing for the past? You’re not alone, and chances are, the place you’re missing is by the water. A new study found that “blue” landscapes like beaches, rivers and lakes are powerful nostalgia triggers that also boost psychological well-being.

Think of your gut like that one nosy neighbor; it’s always collecting data, and it knows things. While everyone poops, not everyone follows a regular schedule. And apparently, your gut is keeping score.

Ever wondered if your dog really watches TV? A new study finds that many do, and how they respond depends not just on what’s on screen, but on their personality, from excitement levels to fearfulness.

Watching a video of a therapy dog for just five minutes can meaningfully lower stress levels, a new study shows, offering a simple, stigma-free option for those reluctant to seek traditional mental health support.

Spending a few minutes a day doing simple things that bring joy increases well-being, decreases stress, and improves sleep, according to a new study. It shows you don’t need to invest in time-consuming well-being interventions for them to be effective.

Self-care life hacks, claimed to improve well-being, often go viral on social media platforms like TikTok, sometimes without scientific backing. Experts have provided their opinion on six popular behaviors, so you know what’s good.

A new study has evaluated 15 activities that protect and boost mental well-being. While most of the everyday activities looked at boosted well-being, the ones that produced the largest effect were free and easy to do.

Two groups particularly prone to social isolation – older adults and international students – felt much less lonely when they engaged in pet-focused activities, according to a new study. The cost-effective approach also boosted health and well-being.

Researchers have examined the increasingly popular practice of cold-water immersion – such as taking a cold shower or taking an ice bath – to see whether there’s any scientific basis for claiming that it has a positive effect on health and well-being.

Gamers free to interact with and explore a game world at their own pace are more relaxed and have improved mental well-being, according to new research. It could open the door to using gaming as a therapeutic tool to counter stress and anxiety.