Management QOL in the News - February 13, 2026
'Active' optimists live longer, happier lives. Here's how to become one
By Christian Jarrett
When the Australian television producer Rhonda Byrne hit rock bottom in 2004, she found salvation after discovering what she calls ‘the secret’ – the title she gave to her multi-million-selling book and film released a couple of years later.
Apparently known and guarded by highly successful people for generations, the secret is that your thoughts shape your life.
“Remember that your thoughts are the primary cause of everything,” Byrne wrote, citing the ‘Law of Attraction’ as the underlying mechanism, which is the notion that your thoughts communicate with the cosmos and, in return, it gives you what you want.
Through a process of ‘manifestation’ or ‘manifesting’, if you devote time to imagining that you already have what you want and even feeling grateful, as if you already have it, then “you will attract everything that you require,” Bryne wrote.
Byrne cites an early 20th-century book on getting rich as among her influences, while the roots of manifestation go back at least as far as the late 19th-century New Thought movement, which placed an emphasis on the power of the human mind to influence external events.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 11, 2026
How to get high on your own dopamine—naturally
By Daryl Austin
If you've experienced a jolt of excitement when your phone buzzes, a rush from seeing a new parking space open up, or a flutter of hope before good news lands, you've experienced dopamine at work.
“Dopamine is the good feeling that you’re about to get a reward,” explains Loretta Graziano Breuning, a professor emerita at California State University, East Bay, and author of Habits of a Happy Brain.
Beyond anticipation, dopamine also helps reward us after beneficial behaviors such as eating, connecting with others, or accomplishing goals. In this way, “dopamine contributes greatly to our motivation to do things," says Jacquie Olds, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
But dopamine is far more than a “feel-good” reward chemical. It's also a chemical “that allows for fine-tuned control of neural networks,” explains Anna Lembke, a physician and professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine.
In this way, the hormone influences blood pressure, sleep regulation, digestion, kidney function, and immune activity—largely because it affects blood vessel dilation, sodium balance, circadian rhythm, and gastrointestinal motility and secretions.
Dopamine even plays a crucial role in the body’s fight-or-flight survival response by increasing alertness, boosting energy availability, and helping regulate heart rate and blood pressure.
Despite such benefits, the modern world often hijacks our dopamine through things like doomscrolling or substance—activities and products that can actually have negative effects. But there are natural ways to trigger dopamine and enjoy its rewards without overdoing. Here’s what to know.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 10, 2026
7 Ways to Reduce Fatigue Naturally
By Katharine Gammon
Fatigue is different from simply being tired. When you’re tired, you can sleep, and the sensation goes away. But fatigue goes deeper and starts to interfere with a person’s everyday activities. “Fatigue is this draining, exhausting feeling,” says Leorey Saligan, a researcher who studies the condition at Rutgers University. “It’s not just physical, but also psychological and cognitive.”
For people dealing with chronic illnesses like cancer, multiple sclerosis, or Long COVID, fatigue can be a common experience. If it lingers for weeks, you should check with a doctor to rule out medical conditions like anemia or heart problems.
But many people will also experience short-term fatigue over their lifetimes—for physical, mental, or psychological reasons. Here’s what you can do about it when it strikes.
Read full article here.
5 Daily Habits Linked to Longer, Happier Lives
By Noma Nazish
The average American lives to about 78. But in certain regions around the world known as "Blue Zones," people often live well into their 90s and beyond while staying vibrant and active. And interestingly, they get there without relying on supplements, cold plunges, cryotherapy, peptides, or any other bells and whistles we’re sold on in the name of longevity.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 6, 2026
The neuroscience behind the ‘parenting paradox’ of happiness
By Anthony Vaccaro
Whether to have kids can be one of the most momentous decisions a person makes. Countless factors can sway this choice. How will it affect your finances, your relationships or your career? Are you feeling pressure from your family or community? But one of the simplest, most personal considerations is whether, and how, having a child will affect your quality of life.
Here psychologists studying well-being have encountered what’s sometimes called the “parenting paradox”: parents report lower mood and more stress and depression in their daily lives than adults without children, and yet parents also tend to report greater life satisfaction in general.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 5, 2026
This Midwestern City Was Just Ranked One of the Best Places to Retire in the U.S.—and It's Also the Happiest City in America
By Katie Nadworny
Planning for retirement often involves finding a place that is affordable, culturally engaging, safe, and has good healthcare. While Florida remains a retirement haven, many seniors are now considering spending their golden years in the Midwest, where certain communities offer a lower cost of living.
A recent WalletHub survey recommends Minneapolis as a top destination for retirees looking to relocate to the Midwest.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 4, 2026
This European Country Was Just Named the Happiest Place for American Travelers in 2026
By Stacey Leasca
According to a new report, Italy continues to win hearts with its cultural charm, scenic beauty, and summer allure.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - February 2, 2026
The 8 healthiest states in America, according to a new report
By Haley Chamberlain
Health in the U.S. is often sold as a personal responsibility. However, the data seems to disagree.
Where people live plays an outsized role in how healthy they are and how long they live. A Healthy States Index analysis highlighted by StudyFinds shows that access to clean air, parks, gyms, and healthy food can matter as much as individual habits.
The eight healthiest states do not share a single formula, but they share conditions that lower the cost of making healthy choices. Pollution is low. Outdoor space is abundant. Walking routes, parks, and fitness facilities are easy to find rather than hard to justify. In these places, movement fits into daily life instead of competing with it.
These states are not immune to health challenges — they simply make better outcomes more likely. Across the full ranking, life expectancy can vary by nearly a decade depending on where someone lives. That gap is not accidental. It reflects years of policy choices, urban planning decisions, and investment priorities.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 30, 2026
Neuroscientist shares her psychology-backed strategy for achieving big goals: ‘All sorts of people’ should try it
By Renée Onque
Writing down your goals in great detail, including in a letter to yourself, might feel a bit awkward, but it’s a practice that’s worked for many successful people — and neuroscience supports it.
Read full article here.
6 Hobbies That Naturally Boost Dopamine—and Your Mood, According to Psychologists
By Ria Bhagwat
The actions we take every day—whether dopamine-boosting or energy-depleting—have a direct impact on our mental health. In fact, a 2023 study showed that certain creative activities, such as gardening and arts and crafts, were associated with enhanced life satisfaction, especially during the five months of quarantine most of us remember clearly. Similarly, in winter, feelings of dissatisfaction and a lack of energy play a significant role in how we feel, according to licensed psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor.
“During this time of year, we’re craving something whether that is comfort food, social connection, or just an extra cup of coffee,” she says. “There is a scientific reason for this craving: our brain’s dopamine levels can dip in the cold, dark winter months.” You may be wondering what dopamine even is, how we can curb feelings of loneliness and discomfort, and actionable steps to take to help you feel better. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 29, 2026
American Retirees Flock to This International Destination—and It's Got Great Health Care, Low Taxes, and High Quality of Life
By Stacey Leasca
Approximately 5.5 million Americans live abroad, according to the Association of Americans Resident Overseas. About 700,000 of them are retirees. If you hope to be one of them but are not quite sure where to relocate, Global Citizen Solutions has a few suggestions.
In early June, the company, dedicated to helping Americans invest abroad, released its list of the 10 best countries for Americans to retire in 2025.
"From Portugal to Costa Rica, there is a wide range of destinations, offering the ideal lifestyle for U.S. retirees. But, with so many great options, choosing the right place to retire can be challenging,” the website explained.
So, to help people find the right spots, Global Citizen Solutions analyzed destinations on eight key indicators, including the local cost of living, access to health care, climate, retirement and expat tax benefits, safety, and retiree-friendly recreation. And the winner for 2025 is Spain.
Read full article here.
7 Toxic Habits That Are Sabotaging Your Happiness, According to Experts
By Hannah Wojcik
‘Tis the season for New Year’s resolutions! Although any time of year is excellent for re-examining your habits and eliminating any that aren’t serving you, the symbolic shift into a new year can be extra motivating. It’s a perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year and identify any habits that might be getting in the way of your 2025 goals.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 28, 2026
How Existential Therapy Can Transform Your Life Choices
By Neha Kashyap
In existential therapy, your freedom and responsibility are central to creating a meaningful life, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties of existence. This approach reframes your experiences, enabling you to find purpose and take actionable steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 27, 2026
The key to living longer is small changes in sleep, diet and exercise, new research finds
By Lindsey Leake
If your goal is to be healthier in 2026, you don’t have to overhaul your habits, follow a strict diet or spend hours at the gym.
Taking baby steps to collectively improve three of the most important behaviors — sleep, exercise and nutrition — may not only boost health but also lengthen your life, new research shows.
The changes could be as basic as a few extra minutes of sleep per night, plus a few more vegetables or grains and a few extra minutes of exercise per day.
Read full article here.
Feeling Numb? 11 Ways to Overcome Anhedonia and Find Your Joy Again
By Seraphina Seow and Melissa Matthews
Just about everybody has the blues from time to time. But if you've ever struggled with the feeling that nothing is enjoyable anymore and there's no point in trying anything, your sadness has a name: anhedonia. A symptom of various health mental health conditions, anhedonia appears to mimic boredom—but one key distinction is that it's usually coupled with a lack of motivation to even try to regain your spark. So how can you overcome anhedonia and find your zest for life again?
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 26, 2026
10 Mood-Boosting "Microadventures" You Can Do to Shake Up Your Daily Routine
By Amy Maclin
Trusty routines are comforting, but making time for a little adventure is equally essential for our mental health. Humans are wired to seek new experiences, which reward us with a burst of the feel-good chemical dopamine—and according to research, novelty yields all kinds of psychological benefits, enhancing our mood, motivation, and memory.
That said, adventure doesn't have to mean far-flung feats of derring-do. If you're a hardcore homebody, or tethered by your day job, or lack the cash for a ticket on a rocket ship, don't fret! Consider embarking on microadventures—simple ways to shake up the same-old, same-old and discover something new in your day-to-day life. Here are 10 ideas to get you started.
Read full article here.
15 Feel-Good Foods to Reach for When You're Feeling Blah, According to Nutrition Experts
By Samantha Leffler
There's plenty of evidence to suggest that activities like working out, spending some time outside during the day, and cuddling with a pet can lift your spirits. As it turns out, what you eat can also have a big impact on your mood. Whether you've been afflicted with the change in seasons or find yourself in a funk, certain mood-boosting foods can help.
Many of the foods on this list are also considered superfoods and come with a myriad of health benefits that extend far beyond promoting a happy disposition. Plus, they are easy to incorporate into your daily diet. Keep reading to find out what foods will boost your mood, according to several nutrition experts.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 22, 2026
10 Mood-Boosting Morning Rituals to Start Your Day Right
By Melissa Matthews
A bad morning can ruin your entire day. Once you’re grumpy, it can be so hard to turn things around. “The way you start your morning can set the tone for the entire day,” says Jenny Maenpaa, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York City. While there are no guarantees for a stress-free day, starting your morning with a few positive rituals can help improve your mood. “Habits that ground the mind and regulate stress are particularly effective for boosting mood,” Maenpaa says.
Need some ideas? We asked experts for tips on a few morning habits to get you started. That said, the best rituals are ones that you enjoy and find pleasant, according to Jennifer C. Veilleux, an associate professor in the department of psychological science at the University of Arkansas. “There are no universal ways to boost mood, because what brings people joy is not one-size-fits-all.” So practice the ones that work for you and brainstorm a few of your own.
Read full article here.
'Lemonading' Is the Life Strategy That'll Make You Happier (and There's Science to Prove It)
By Ria Bhagwat
When you think about the last time someone suggested you “look on the bright side,” what was your reaction? It’s not always easy to observe the glass as half full when challenges arise. However, according to a new study published by Frontiers of Psychology, "lemonading"—or “creatively imagining and pursuing positive possibilities to cultivate adaptive, enjoyable experiences while maintaining a clear-eyed realism about challenges”—can help us thrive in our lives.
And it’s not just research that agrees with the findings of "lemonading"—psychologists do, too. “People who are more playful tend to see obstacles as opportunities for growth and fun, and they are able to be really imaginative in coming up with creative solutions for difficult situations,” says Mirjam Quinn, licensed clinical psychologist. “Possibly because of this thinking style, where obstacles are opportunities, and this action-oriented coping style, playful people tend to lemonade when life gets hard.” If you have a hard time balancing a positive attitude with the challenging feats of life, then lemonading might be the strategy you need.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 21, 2026
Why pleasure is the key to self-improvement
By David Robson
The latest research suggests that this may be the worst way to approach our personal goals. Put simply, we are far more likely to succeed if the process offers immediate gratification as well as rewards in the future, and we should actively look for new ways to enhance the inherent satisfaction in whatever it is we’re doing. Far from being the enemy of self-control, pleasure powers perseverance. Forget delayed gratification; it’s instant gratification that means we keep on keeping on.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 20, 2026
5 Natural Endorphin Boosters for a Happier, More Energized You—No Workout Required
By Ria Bhagwat
Think about the last time you were excited for or happy about something: what did the sensation feel like in your brain and body? When we experience joy, our brain releases endorphins—a set of happiness hormones that increase our dopamine and lower cortisol levels. “While exercising is one way to achieve a healthy release of endorphins, there are many ways to achieve this that will give you a good mood booster,” says clinical psychologist Dr. Erica Rozmid. “Take advantage of your brain’s natural mood booster by focusing on activities that make you feel good.” To help craft some ideas for natural ways to increase your endorphin output, we asked mental health experts for their favorite mood-boosting activities.
Read full article here.
Did You Know You Can Train Your Brain to Feel Happier? Start With These 12 Habits
By Maggie Seaver
If you think being a happier person isn’t in the cards for you, there’s some serious behavioral neuroscience that will change your mind for good (literally). “We have more control [over our happiness] than we think," says Elissa Epel, PhD, professor and vice chair in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco and author of The Stress Prescription: Seven Days to More Joy and Ease. "We can take the reins and discover what we can do now—small things that can boost feelings of joy or contentment."
This isn't Epel's way of saying we can just click our heels and make happiness happen. But her research indicates that no matter our innate temperament or external circumstances, we can sustainably increase our feelings of well-being. According to findings from The Big JOY Project, a worldwide citizen science endeavor that Epel co-created, the answer lies in the power of habits. Specifically, micro-habits—bite-sized, actionable, everyday behaviors and activities.
Consciously adopting positive habits and mindfully paying attention to their pleasant effects harnesses the power of our brain's reward system. “When a behavior triggers a positive emotional response, we’re likely to remember this and do it again," Epel says. "Awareness of how something makes us feel good can help us develop new positive habits.” Done with consistency and commitment, these micro-habits can actually rewire your brain to move through the world with more positivity. If that sounds good to you, check out these micro-acts drawn directly from The Big JOY Project. Happily, you can start them today.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 19, 2026
14 Surprisingly Practical Ways to Feel Happier Every Day
By Gretchen Rubin
How happy are you really? If there's room for improvement, learn how to be happy with these tips.
Read full article here.
50 Feel-Good Shows to Watch When You Need a Mood Boost
By Lisa Milbrand and Natalie Onkst
There’s a time and a place for shows with unlikeable anti-heroes, high drama, post-apocalyptic zombie hordes, and heartbreaking losses. But maybe here and now isn't right for you. You’re looking for something a little less stressful to stream, whether you want a soothing show to get you sleepy or a cheerful comedy to help lighten your mood.
You’re in luck, because there are a ton of feel-good shows just a click away, including cool comedies, mood-boosting reality shows, and even the softer side of history.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 17, 2026
The perfect way to switch off from work: the secret to a daily de-stress routine
By Sam Pyrah
Research by Business in the Community (BITC), a UK-based responsible business network, shows that 55% of employees feel pressed to respond to calls or check emails outside work, while high workloads drive two in five to work overtime. Yet switching off from work when you aren’t working (psychological detachment, to give it its scientific name) is vital not just for your health, but for productivity.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 16, 2026
6 Things People Do Differently In Finland, The Happiest Country In The World
By Jillian Wilson
When it comes to happiness, it’s well-known that the Nordic countries regularly score high on surveys of life satisfaction. In fact, Finland has held the top spot in the World Happiness Report’s list of happiest countries for years — even as the country deals with cold weather, long winters and no daylight for part of the year in certain parts of the country. (For reference, the United States was 23rd on the World Happiness Report’s list.)
Even with these things seemingly against the country, the people of Finland thrive when it comes to their life satisfaction for a myriad of reasons, according to mental health experts.
A huge part of that is because Finland has systems in place that make aspects of life less stressful — education is largely free, time off of work is plentiful and health care coverage is guaranteed. Plus, the country is much, much smaller than the U.S. (the population is smaller than the population of New York City), which also makes certain things easier.
Beyond these systems, though, there are habits and beliefs that Finnish people hold that help them regularly secure the top spot on the World Happiness Report’s list.
Read full article here.
6 Hobbies That’ll Make You Happier, According to Psychologists
By Ria Bhagwat
The actions we take every day—whether dopamine-boosting or energy-depleting—have a direct impact on our mental health. In fact, a 2023 study showed that certain creative activities, such as gardening and arts and crafts, were associated with enhanced life satisfaction, especially during the five months of quarantine most of us remember clearly. Similarly, in winter, feelings of dissatisfaction and a lack of energy play a significant role in how we feel, according to licensed psychologist Dr. Leah Kaylor.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 14, 2026
6 pillars of a healthier, age-defying lifestyle in 2026, according to experts
By Melissa Rudy
Some 30% of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, statistics show — and they generally focus on exercising, eating healthier and losing weight.
Less than 10% of people, however, stick with their resolutions throughout the year, with nearly a quarter quitting in the first week.
To boost the success rate of resolutions, two doctors recommend pivoting from "quick fixes" and focusing more on science-based ways to achieve long-term wellness.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 13, 2026
5 Things You Should Do First Thing In The Morning To Be Happier All Day
By Catherine Pearson
Mornings can be rough for many people who tend to feel sleepy pretty regularly, which in turn makes them report feeling irritable a lot of the time. And yes, it’s hard to feel cheery when you’re overtired and stressed — much of which, alas, is outside of people’s control.
But happiness experts say there are simple habits people can practice in the morning that will that have a profound influence on how they feel throughout the day. They’re easy tweaks that can help improve overall mental well-being.
Ready to take stock of your general day-to-day happiness and incorporate some new practices that can improve your mood all day long?
Read full article here.
The 1 Thing That Child Therapists Say Harms Kids' Happiness The Most
By Marie Holmes
Children and adolescents in the U.S. today reap the benefits of decades of medical and psychological research. We are able to diagnose and effectively treat mental health conditions to a degree that wasn’t possible only a generation ago, with a wider arsenal of pharmacological options and increasingly targeted and sophisticated non-invasive therapies.
The quality of kids’ mental health should be trending up — but the opposite is happening. Kids today are struggling more than ever.
The pandemic dealt a significant blow to everyone’s emotional health, and reduced our support networks to Zoom squares on a screen. But the writing was on the wall before March 2020: Kids’ emotional well-being was already on the decline.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 12, 2026
How to extend and improve your life by getting more creative
By Daisy Fancourt
Cut your sugar, get some exercise, stop smoking, eat your vegetables, take supplements, don’t stress, sleep well. Every day, we are bombarded with information about how to live longer, healthier, happier lives. But there is one crucial piece of health advice I bet you have never been given. It’s probably the most enjoyable health tip you could be told, but the data supporting it has – to date – remained a bizarrely well-kept secret: engage in the arts.
Over the past few decades, evidence has been accumulating to suggest that being more creative works wonders for our health. Programmes being developed around the world are starting to integrate the arts into healthcare, with astonishing results, from music in surgery reducing the amount of sedatives, opioids and anti-anxiety meds needed, to dance programmes helping people with Parkinson’s disease to walk.
But the arts aren’t just there for us when we are sick. Crafts, singing, theatre, dance, reading, writing and drawing are inherently good for us as part of our day-to-day lives, even if thoughts about our health are far from our minds.
Read full article here.
Why it’s time to rethink what happiness really means
By Dean Burnett
March this year once again saw the publication of the annual World Happiness Report. The latest international rankings put Finland at number one and several other Nordic countries dominating the top 10.
As always, there are those who question the validity and meaning of the data in this report, including many Finnish people. After all, these rankings are based on a single question asking people to evaluate the quality of their life on a zero to ten scale. It’s not the most rigorous research approach.
However, if this isn’t the right way to measure happiness, what is? This is a thornier issue than you might expect because, despite everyone recognising it and actively seeking it out, it’s hard to say, scientifically, what happiness actually is.
You might think it’s obvious: happiness is an emotion. Right? Sure. But emotions are similarly hard to define, beyond invoking terms like “feelings”.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 11, 2026
5 Simple Wellness Rituals That Can Actually Make You Happier
By Ria Bhagwat
A lot can be said about physical wellness and the impact it has on your body and overall health. Many of us try to follow a healthy diet, exercise consistently, and download tracker apps to keep us in check—and while these habits can definitely contribute to a healthy lifestyle, our mental wellness matters just as much. “Your mental and emotional health aren't separate from your physical health—they're all interconnected parts of one whole system,” says Dana Mahina, leadership coach and bestselling author. “I see this constantly with the high-achieving women in my program who've mastered the gym routine and green smoothies but are still burning out because they've neglected their inner wellness rituals.”
Wellness rituals can be defined as “those intentional practices that nurture your mind, spirit, and emotional well-being,” Mahina says. “Without them, we're just managing symptoms instead of addressing the root of what it means to live fully.” Thankfully, it’s never too late to begin incorporating simple wellness practices into your daily routine, and as you practice them consistently, you’ll notice a stark difference—and it might even make you a happier person.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 9, 2026
Want more joy in your life next year? Start with these 10 simple habits
By Kerry Burnight, PhD
We often enter a new year as if we’re bracing for impact. Optimizing, organizing, hoping we can outrun our anxiety and exhaustion. The pursuit of joy feels like an afterthought.
But I believe that’s a mistake. While lifespan describes how long we live—and can be optimized with healthy habits like diet and exercise, which people embrace on January 1—joyspan describes how much we enjoy it. And what is the point of living longer if every extra year is a slog?
The pursuit of joy isn’t frivolous either. Maintaining a well-being and peace that can coexist with our challenges and our grief helps us bear those things. I love Brené Brown’s observation that “joy collected over time fuels resilience—ensuring we’ll have reservoirs of emotional strength when hard things come.” And hard things always come.
Joy isn’t something we earn by achieving more. It’s a skill to be learned, an experience you need to choose and keep choosing each day. So if you want to boost your joyspan in 2026 (and I hope you do!), here are 10 research-backed places to start.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 7, 2026
Are you living a good life? Take this quiz to find out.
In their research, psychologists have uncovered three dimensions that people gravitate toward:
- A happy life, one created by pursuing comfort, satisfaction and more joy than sadness.
- A meaningful life, one grounded by purpose, connection and making the world better.
- And a psychologically rich life, marked by novel experiences, perspective-shifting insights and complexity.
- Each dimension offers a different — though not mutually exclusive — path to a good life.
A happy life might end with “It was fun!” A meaningful one might evoke “I made a difference!” And a psychologically rich life might be summed up with “What a journey!”
This quiz will help you reflect on the life you’re leading — and what you want out of it. It will also offer evidence-backed advice on how to head further down the path(s) you desire. It is a shortened version of the Good Life Scale created by psychologists Shigehiro Oishi of the University of Chicago and Erin Westgate of the University of Florida to measure these three dimensions. Our quiz was developed with their help.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 6, 2026
How to build the mindset now proven to slow ageing
By David Robson
Think, for a moment, about your hopes and fears for the future. Do you see your 60s, 70s or 80s as a time of growth and opportunity?
Will ageing bring wisdom, status and friendship? Or do you see yourself becoming more lonely, helpless and grumpy as you get older?
Will the last years of your life be – in the words of Shakespeare – “…mere oblivion/Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything”?
Quite incredibly, those beliefs may predict how you fare in the decades ahead, determining everything from the health of your memory to your risk of cardiovascular disease through a kind of self-fulfilling prophecy. Your views about ageing may even influence your lifespan by as much as 7.5 years.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, though, and few are as extraordinary as this. But many scientists from across the world are coming to the same conclusion: your mindset can shape your biology.
Read full article here.
Shape a Personal Path to Lasting Happiness
Look honestly at the glitches in your life: the things you expected would make you happy but didn’t, the yesses that drained you, the rules or traditions that create more stress than celebration. With self-compassion guiding you, you’ll sort what’s true from what’s "expected" so you can choose joy with more intention, freedom, and confidence.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 5, 2026
Too busy to meditate? Microdosing mindfulness has big health benefits
By David Robson
When Eli Susman arrived at a Buddhist retreat, he expected to spend most of his time there in deep meditation. After all, the Plum Village Monastery to the east of Bordeaux, France, had been established by Thich Nhat Hanh, sometimes known as the “father of mindfulness”. With a newcomer’s enthusiasm, he decided to test how long he could spend in silent contemplation, embarking on a mammoth 3-hour session.
Afterwards, he proudly told one of the monks. “It was almost like I expected a shiny badge for my efforts,” recalls Susman. Instead, the monk simply smiled brightly. “Three hours?” he asked Susman. “How about three breaths? That’s all you need to tune in to the present moment.”
Susman’s curiosity was piqued, and during his psychology PhD at the University of California, Berkeley, he set out to investigate whether such a brief period of contemplation could really reset someone’s thinking and bring about a meaningful change in their mental state.
The short answer is yes. According to a growing body of research from teams around the world, those who complete extraordinarily brief exercises – lasting as little as 20 seconds a day – report feeling peace and joy that lingers long after the exercise ends. By breaking ruminative thought cycles and calming the physiological stress response, these micropractices (also known as microacts) may enhance our physical health, too.
Read full article here.
Management QOL in the News - January 1, 2026
The 3 things you should do this New Year to foster a positive mindset
By Olivia Remes
Olivia Remes is a mental health and well-being researcher at the University of Cambridge, author of This Is How You Grow After Trauma and a life coach. Her research has covered everything from assessing the prevalence of poor mental health in high-risk settings, such as the construction industry, to what helps women in disadvantaged circumstances reduce their risk of anxiety. Here, she recommends three evidence-based strategies for cultivating a healthier mindset: one that will boost your happiness, increase self-control and motivation, and help you reach your goals.
Read full article here.
The Case for Making Sex Part of Your Wellness Routine
By Katie Berohn
In the span of a few seconds, your body reaches peak tension relief. Your brain starts firing in all corners. A surge of feel-good hormones, like oxytocin and dopamine, floods your bloodstream. Headaches and pains might vanish, your immune system may get a boost, and you could experience better sleep. No, this isn’t a luxury wellness treatment: It’s what happens to your body when you orgasm.
Read full article here.
