The Best of Greater Good

A new book explains how devaluing emotional labor—disproportionately done by women and other disadvantaged groups—perpetuates inequality.

We all overestimate how much we know. Our guest tries a practice in slowing down to ask more questions, and finds it leads to higher quality connections.

«Think about the scenario from the perspective of a person who disagrees with you. Try to imagine how they came to believe what they believe:»

You're not alone if you're feeling dread and anxiety about climate change. A new book explains how to channel these feelings to fight for a better world.

Americans say thanks a lot, but other cultures may have a deeper understanding of gratitude.

When was the last time you spent a moment savoring silence? Tricia Hersey, aka The Nap Bishop, guides us through an appreciation of silence and its restorative powers.

A research review finds that employees who are motivated to be kind and helpful tend to have higher well-being at work.

Researchers have found that practicing "cyclic sighing" for five minutes a day can help you feel less anxiety and more positive emotions.

«Controlled breathing exercises may have a more rapid, more direct effect on physiology than mindfulness,»

Our team names the most provocative and influential findings published during this past year.

«in deciding whether to do something generous or helpful for someone, we chronically underestimate how much beneficial impact we can make»

A new study finds that teaching mindfulness practices to patients with anxiety works as well as using a standard drug treatment, with fewer side effects.

Research suggests that there are two types of passion we can have about work—and one may be harmful for you.

«For example, a person who agrees with statements such as “I get upset easily” or “I worry about different things at the same time” is much more vulnerable to burnout if they work as a lawyer, a fundraiser, or a broker. But that same person is less likely to become obsessed with their job if they work as a dentist, engineer, nurse, surgeon, or social worker.»

Our brain's cognitive biases enable us to put off important tasks, even though it hurts us later. But are there benefits to procrastination?

«If procrastination is seriously interfering with your life, you may want to start chopping tasks into smaller pieces and set rewards after each step.»

Some days, nothing seems to go right. Here are four steps to calm down and get things back on track.

Avoiding our emotions is not good for our mental health. A psychologist explains how to break the habit and embrace your vulnerability.

«Identify where you feel the sensation; locate it precisely, one place at a time—not just “My muscles are tense,” but which ones and where»

A new study asks people what makes them happy and what gives life meaning—and finds that benefitting others can do both.

A marriage therapist offers a step-by-step guide for a conversation with your partner when emotions are running high.

«I feel _________ when you _________ and I need _________f.”»

Men have fewer friends these days, which can hurt their well-being. Here are expert tips for fostering those relationships.

When life is uncertain, our usual responses and coping strategies might not always work. The practice of mental agility can help us be resilient.

«It comes down to the choice of stick or switch: Should I keep pursuing the same thoughts, feelings, and actions, or do I need to switch to something new?»

New research on empathic joy points the way to closer intimate relationships.

«At its core, the principle of compersion relies on the dissolution of the perception of separation between self and other.»

Social conditions and inequality affect well-being. So, why do we keep insisting "happiness is a choice"?

«When I write that “structural forces” affect happiness, what do I mean? What does a structural force look like in society?»

When we're waiting, we often have the urge to distract ourselves—but a new study finds we’d enjoy doing nothing but think.

«there were no significant differences between those who waited with or without a computer; both groups liked the experience equally.»

It’s time to shift the paradigm about sensitivity in boys and recognize how it improves their relationships and supports their well-being.