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.
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.
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.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
Self-Care Tips During the Holidays
Setting aside time to do good things for yourself is the gift that keeps giving all season long.
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.
Guide to a Great Galentine’s Day
This February, don't forget to celebrate the women who make your life great, too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In Praise of #GirlDads and Empowering Father Figures
A salute to all the dads and father figures raising strong, confident girls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can You Get In a Workout While Spring Cleaning? You Bet!
Simple work outs to add to your daily chores around the house
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
How to Start a Gratitude Practice
Gratitude can help you view life with different eyes. Find out how to start your own practice.
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
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.
Why In-Store Shopping Is Good for You
Online shopping lacks some of the health, social and environmental benefits of shopping in-store.
Get SMART About Financial Goal Setting
When setting and sticking to financial goals, it’s important to determine short- and long-term priorities.
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.
Stopping Health-Related Stigmas
Unfortunately, many illnesses and conditions, both physical and mental, are stigmatized in society.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
“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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.