The Best of Greater Good

For educators teaching character, it helps to understand the way it is shaped by our personal experiences, environments, and relationships.

«I’d share that I’ve learned that character assets such as honesty and integrity are more desirable qualities than prestige and power, and that the way I show up for other people is more important than what others can do for me»

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.

Research suggests that we need to overcome some emotional and cognitive barriers if we’re to learn from our defeats—but it can be done.

«Failure bruises the ego, that metaphorical seat of our self-esteem and self-importance. When we fail, we feel threatened—and that sense of threat can trigger a fight-or-flight response.»

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,»

A large new study looks at how exercise can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

A new book argues that we can harness the connection between our minds and our physiology for better health.

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»

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.»

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»

There are many ways to be humble, according to recent research.

«Our experiences might give us only partial understandings of people from other cultures, and, all too often, we might carry stereotyped assumptions about other cultures that will inevitably cause harm.»

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.”»

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.