Coping With Loneliness During the Holidays

 

The holidays can make loneliness more noticeable. Family gatherings, couple-focused traditions, and cheerful posts online can create the impression that everyone else feels included. If you are single, divorced, parenting on your own, grieving a relationship, or simply far from people you care about, that contrast can sting.

Feeling lonely does not mean you have failed at relationships or that you are destined to stay lonely. Loneliness is a feeling of disconnection - not a measure of your worth. It can happen when you are alone, and it can happen in a crowded room. The CDC distinguishes loneliness, the felt gap between the connection you want and the connection you have, from social isolation, which describes having fewer relationships or less contact. The two can overlap, but they are not the same. 

This article offers practical, evidence-informed ideas, not individual psychological care. You do not need to force yourself to feel festive. A more workable goal is to make the season a little more manageable and create moments of connection, rest, and choice.

 

 Why This Season Can Feel Especially Hard

Holidays often come with expectations: attend family events, feel grateful, spend money, make memories, and enjoy yourself. Those expectations can be difficult to meet after a divorce, a breakup, a move, a bereavement, or a change in family routines. The CDC lists divorce and loss of a loved one among experiences that can increase risk for loneliness or isolation. 

For single parents, the season may bring a particular mix of responsibilities and emotions. You may be coordinating custody arrangements, managing children’s expectations, handling work, and trying to make a holiday feel special on a tight budget or limited time. You may also have quiet moments when the children are with their other parent. It is possible to love your children and still feel tired, lonely, or relieved to have a pause.

For people who are single or divorced, invitations and traditions built around couples or large family groups may bring up grief, frustration, or a sense of being left out. You might miss a person, a shared routine, or the future you once imagined. Those feelings can coexist with appreciation for the life you are building now.

Social connection matters for health, but that does not mean you need a packed calendar. The CDC notes that loneliness and social isolation are associated with mental and physical health risks. Harvard researchers have also described how loneliness can lead some people to withdraw further, which can deepen disconnection over time. Small, realistic steps toward contact can help interrupt that pattern. 

 

 Coping Skills That Fit Real Life

 

 1. Name The Kind Of Connection You Are Missing

“Lonely” can mean several things. You may miss a particular person, want more everyday conversation, feel misunderstood, or long to belong to a group. Try completing this sentence: “What I wish I had more of right now is…”

Your answer helps you choose a useful next step. If you miss a specific person, a call or message may help. If you miss casual company, a recurring class, group, or volunteer shift may be a better fit. Harvard experts recommend identifying what kind of loneliness you are experiencing so you can target your response. 

 

 2. Make One Specific Invitation

“Let us get together sometime” is easy to postpone. Instead, ask for something concrete: “Would you like to take a walk Saturday morning?” or “Can we have a 15-minute call after the kids go to bed?”

Keep the ask small enough that you can follow through. A short conversation counts. So does sharing a meal, running an errand together, or sitting beside someone at a community event. You are not required to make a deep friendship in one evening.

 

 3. Build A Holiday Plan Around Your Actual Circumstances

Choose one or two activities you genuinely want to do, then leave room for rest. A plan might include a meal you enjoy, a walk, a video call, a movie, or an outing with your children. If you are co-parenting, make a plan for the time the children are away before that day arrives. It does not need to be elaborate: arrange a call, prepare a favorite meal, or decide to spend the evening quietly.

For divorced or separated parents, consider which traditions can stay, which need to change, and what new rituals might suit your household. Children do not need every holiday to look the same as before. They benefit from reliable care, honest age-appropriate communication, and routines that feel safe.

 

 4. Use Small, Low-Pressure Interactions

Connection does not have to begin with a major social event. Say hello to a neighbor, chat briefly with a colleague, thank a shop worker, or exchange a few words with another parent at school pickup. Harvard guidance highlights these brief everyday exchanges, alongside activities and volunteering, as possible ways to build connection. 

If large gatherings feel draining, look for settings where conversation has a natural focus: a book group, craft workshop, faith community, walking group, or children’s activity. Showing up more than once can make it easier to recognize people and feel familiar.

 

 5. Choose Activities That Combine Interest And Company

A shared activity can take pressure off conversation. Try a community class, a local walking group, a library event, a volunteer shift, a casual sports league, or a neighborhood gathering. Online groups can also provide a starting point, especially when transportation, childcare, disability, or distance makes in-person options difficult. Aim for a group with shared interests and respectful interaction, not just a busy feed.

Volunteering can offer structure and a sense of contribution, but it should be manageable. Choose a short shift or a one-time event if your energy and schedule are limited. You do not have to take on more responsibility to prove that you care.

 

 6. Set Boundaries Around Painful Or Exhausting Situations

You can decline an invitation, arrive late, leave early, or ask someone to change the subject. A brief script can make it easier:

- “I am keeping things low-key this year, but thank you for inviting me.”

- “I can stay for an hour.”

- “I would rather not discuss my relationship status today.”

- “The children and I are making a new tradition this year.”

Boundaries are not punishments. They help you choose what you can handle and protect time for what matters to you.

 

 7. Reduce Comparison Triggers

Holiday photos usually show selected moments, not the full picture. If scrolling leaves you feeling worse, set a time limit, mute accounts that intensify comparison, or take a short break. Replace that time with something tangible: message a friend, go outside, cook, read, or do a small task you have been putting off. Harvard guidance also recommends limiting sources of negativity and focusing on activities within your control. 

 

 8. Make Room For Grief Without Letting It Run The Whole Day

If a relationship or person is missing, you do not have to pretend otherwise. You might set aside time to write, look at photographs, visit a meaningful place, or talk with someone who understands. You might also choose to skip a tradition this year. Grief can come in waves; having a plan for a difficult date or gathering can make it feel less unpredictable.

 

 9. Protect The Basics That Support Your Mood

Try to keep a steady sleep routine, eat regularly, move your body in a way that is accessible to you, and get some daylight when possible. These actions do not erase loneliness, and they are not a substitute for care when you need it. They can, however, give you a steadier foundation during a busy season.

 

For parents, “self-care” may need to be brief and practical: a quiet cup of tea after bedtime, a walk during a child’s activity, or asking someone to watch the children for an hour. Rest does not have to be earned by finishing every task.

 

 Positive Thoughts That Are Believable

Forced positivity can feel dismissive. Try thoughts that acknowledge the hard part while leaving room for possibility:

 

- “This holiday is different. I can decide what matters most to me.”

- “Feeling lonely is painful, but it is not proof that I am unlovable.”

- “I can miss my old life and still build a life that fits me now.”

- “I do not need to make the season perfect for my children.”

- “A small connection is still a real connection.”

- “I can say no to one event and say yes to something that feels right.”

- “My relationship status does not describe my whole life.”

 

These are not magic phrases. They are reminders to avoid treating a difficult feeling as a permanent prediction.

 

 A Simple Plan For The Next Week

Choose one action from each line - or just one action overall:

- Connect: Send a specific invitation or make a short call.

- Enjoy: Plan one activity you would choose even if no one else were watching.

- Contribute: Offer a small, realistic act of help.

- Rest: Protect one block of time without errands or obligations.

- Prepare: Decide in advance how you will handle a difficult gathering, co-parenting transition, or quiet evening.

Small plans are more likely to survive a busy schedule than ambitious promises to transform your whole social life.

 

 When Extra Support May Help

Consider speaking with a therapist, counselor, or primary-care professional if loneliness is persistent, interfering with sleep or daily functioning, or accompanied by ongoing low mood, anxiety, hopelessness, or loss of interest in things you usually enjoy. Support groups can also be useful, especially after divorce, bereavement, or a major family transition. Reaching out is a practical step, not a sign that you should have managed better on your own.

If you may hurt yourself or cannot stay safe, contact emergency services or a crisis line now. In the United States and Canada, call or text 988. If you are elsewhere, contact your local crisis service or emergency number.

The holiday season does not have to look a certain way to be meaningful. You can make it smaller, quieter, more connected, or simply more manageable. The most useful next step is the one that fits your real life and feels possible today.

 

 References

 

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Health Effects of Social Isolation and Loneliness.” 2024

- Harvard Health Publishing. “Conquering Loneliness.

- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “How to Feel Less Lonely.” 2026. 

- Duffner, L. A., et al. “Facing the Next ‘Geriatric Giant’ - A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis of Interventions Tackling Loneliness and Social Isolation Among Older Adults.” Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, 2024. The findings concern older adults, so they should not be assumed to apply directly to every age group. 

Six Comfort Foods That Can Brighten a Day

Comfort food is not one particular dish - or even one particular kind of cooking. It’s the food that feels familiar, satisfying, and emotionally meaningful to you. For one person, that might be a bowl of soup; for another, it may be rice and beans, a baked potato, or a favorite dessert.

 Part of the appeal can be the memory attached to a meal. A 2017 review describes how comfort foods may bring to mind home, family, friends, and earlier social experiences. The review also makes an important point: although many people believe comfort food lifts their mood, strong evidence for a reliable effect across everyone is limited. A 2019 study found that the pleasure and satisfaction of eating could accompany an immediate mood improvement among some participants, with the results differing by eating style. In other words, a favorite dish may feel cheering, but it isn’t a universal mood treatment. 

 The six examples below are familiar favorites. Their appeal may come from warmth, flavor, routine, or the people and memories they recall.

 

 1. Chicken soup

Chicken soup earns its place on the comfort-food list through simplicity as much as nostalgia. A warm broth, tender noodles, and soft vegetables make for a meal that’s easy to eat slowly. For many people, it also carries associations with being cared for - someone bringing a bowl when they were sick, tired, or having a rough day.

It can be adapted to different appetites and traditions. Add beans or extra vegetables, swap noodles for rice, or use a favorite herb to make it your own. The point isn’t to make soup “perfect”; it’s to make a version you genuinely enjoy.

 

 2. Mac and cheese

Creamy, savory, and familiar, mac and cheese is a classic example of comfort through taste and texture. It can be a childhood favorite, a quick weeknight dinner, or the dish people request at a gathering. That familiarity may be as important as the ingredients themselves.

For an easy, more substantial plate, serve it with vegetables or add peas, broccoli, or beans. These are options, not rules: comfort food doesn’t need to be disguised as something else to belong at the table.

 

 3. Oatmeal with fruit

Comfort food can be simple. A bowl of warm oatmeal offers a soft texture and an easy-to-personalize base. Some people like it with apples and cinnamon; others prefer berries, nuts, or a spoonful of yogurt.

It’s also a reminder that a comforting meal doesn’t have to be rich or elaborate. Choosing whole-grain oats and adding fruit can make breakfast both familiar and satisfying. Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate recommends whole grains and a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a balanced eating pattern

 

 4. Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

Mashed potatoes can evoke holiday meals, Sunday dinners, or a familiar family kitchen. Their smooth texture and savory gravy make them a natural fit for a meal that’s meant to feel cozy.

They’re often served as a side, alongside vegetables and a protein. If you enjoy experimenting, you could mix in roasted garlic, herbs, or another vegetable - but the classic version has its own appeal. Comfort is personal; the dish doesn’t have to be reinvented to count.

 

 5. Chili

Chili is comfort food with a social side. It’s easy to make in a large pot, share with friends, and reheat for another meal. Beans, tomatoes, and spices give it a hearty character, while toppings let everyone tailor their own bowl.

A pot of chili can also become part of a ritual: a weekend batch, a game-night meal, or something simmering while the weather turns cold. Those small routines can make food feel grounding, even when the recipe changes from one household to the next.

 

 6. Apple Crisp

Warm apple crisp brings together soft fruit, a crisp topping, and the smell of cinnamon - an inviting combination for dessert or an afternoon treat. It’s often associated with home baking and shared meals, though a store-bought version can be just as meaningful if that’s what fits the day.

Serve it as it is, or alongside yogurt or another favorite topping. The pleasure here may be as much about the aroma, warmth, and occasion as the sweetness.

 

The Mood Connection Is Personal

Food can be comforting because it tastes good, because it’s familiar, or because it recalls people and moments that matter. The 2017 review found that comfort foods can prompt positive thoughts about social connection, while cautioning that the evidence for a general mood-boosting effect is not conclusive. The 2019 study likewise suggests that responses vary from person to person.  

That distinction matters. Enjoying a favorite meal can be a small pleasure, but it shouldn’t be expected to resolve ongoing stress or low mood. And there’s no need to feel guilty about a dish that brings you pleasure. If you want a meal that’s both comforting and balanced, you can pair a favorite with vegetables, fruit, whole grains, or a protein you enjoy. Harvard’s Healthy Eating Plate offers that kind of flexible framework: build meals around vegetables and fruit, whole grains, and healthy protein choices. 

Sometimes the best part of comfort food isn’t the recipe. It’s sitting down, taking a breath, and enjoying something that feels like yours.

 

 References

- Spence, C. (2017). “Comfort food: A review.” International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science, 9, 105–109. 

- van Strien, T., Gibson, E. L., Baños, R., Cebolla, A., & Winkens, L. H. H. (2019). “Is comfort food actually comforting for emotional eaters? A (moderated) mediation analysis.” Physiology & Behavior, 211, 112671

- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Healthy Eating Plate.” 

A Calmer Thanksgiving: Six Time-Saving Prep Tips for Single Moms

 

Thanksgiving does not need an elaborate menu or a perfect table to feel special. A few smart preparations can make the day easier - especially when you are managing work, parenting, and the meal yourself. The aim is to reduce decisions and last-minute kitchen work, not to do everything from scratch.

 

1. Choose a small, realistic menu. Pick a main dish, two or three sides, and one dessert your family enjoys. Check for dietary needs, then write one grocery list. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension recommends keeping the menu manageable and notes that guests can bring a dish if that works for your gathering. (Cullum, n.d.). 

 

2. Make a simple timeline and shop once. Work backward from the time you want to eat. Assign each dish a day and a task: shopping, chopping, baking, or reheating. A written schedule helps you see conflicts - like needing the oven for two dishes at once - before Thanksgiving morning. Alabama Cooperative Extension recommends planning the menu and equipment ahead, then using a day-of timeline. (Catalena, 2026

 

3. Make one or two dishes ahead. You do not have to prep the whole feast. Cranberry sauce, pie, gravy, or a casserole may be prepared in advance, depending on the recipe. Store everything safely and label containers with the dish name and reheating instructions. Alabama Cooperative Extension suggests preparing items such as cranberry sauce and vegetables ahead and assembling some casseroles the day before. (Catalena, 2026; University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, n.d.). 

 

4. Set up the table and serving station the night before. Put out plates, napkins, serving spoons, and glasses. Add sticky notes to serving dishes with the name of the food that goes in each one. This small step saves hunting through cupboards when the kitchen is busy. (University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, n.d.). 

 

5. Plan the turkey thaw early - and use a thermometer. If you are serving a frozen turkey, thaw it in the refrigerator in a pan to catch drips; allow about 24 hours per 4 - 5 pounds. Never thaw it on the counter. Cook turkey to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer in the appropriate thickest areas. (University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, 2024). 

 

6. Make cleanup and leftovers part of the plan. Put containers and labels out before dinner and ask children or guests to help with age-appropriate jobs such as clearing plates or packing leftovers. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in shallow containers; keep them refrigerated for three to four days or freeze them. (FoodSafety.gov, n.d.; University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, n.d.). 

 

A meaningful Thanksgiving can be simple: food people enjoy, a little preparation, and enough breathing room to be together. If a dish is store-bought or someone else brings a side, that is not a failure of hosting - it is a practical plan.

 

References

 

Catalena, R. (2026, October 14). Timing is everything: Plan ahead for a stress-free Thanksgiving dinner. Alabama Cooperative Extension System. https://www.aces.edu/blog/topics/food-safety/timing-is-everything-plan-ahead-for-a-stress-free-thanksgiving-dinner/

Cullum, K. (n.d.). Start planning your holiday meal today. University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. https://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/white/small-steps-to-healthy-habits/posts/planning-thanksgiving-meal.aspx

FoodSafety.gov. (n.d.). Thanksgiving leftovers for safe keeping, weekend grazing. https://www.foodsafety.gov/blog/thanksgiving-leftovers-safe-keeping-weekend-grazing

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. (2024, November 26). A complete guide to safely thawing and cooking your Thanksgiving turkey. https://site.extension.uga.edu/oglethorpe/2024/11/a-complete-guide-to-safely-thawing-and-cooking-your-thanksgiving-turkey/

Anxiety, Recovery, and Resilience: Six Practical Steps

 

Anxiety is a normal human response to stress and possible danger. It can sharpen attention when a challenge is real. But when fear or worry becomes persistent, difficult to control, or disruptive to daily life, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are treatable, and recovery does not mean never feeling anxious again. It can mean building skills, finding effective support, and returning to activities that matter. (American Psychiatric Association [APA], n.d.; Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). 

 

Here are six practical steps that can support coping and resilience. They are not a substitute for an individualized assessment or treatment plan.

 

1. Breathe slowly. Try a comfortable, unforced slow breath and let the exhale be gentle. Relaxation practices such as deep breathing may help settle the body’s stress response. If focusing on your breath makes you feel worse, stop and try another grounding activity. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2026). 

 

2. Notice what you feel. Put the experience into simple words: “I feel anxious,” or “My body feels tense.” Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present without judging yourself. It is a skill to practice, not a demand to feel calm right away. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2026). 

 

3. Ground in the present. Gently bring your attention to what is around you: name a few things you can see, hear, or feel. This can give your attention a concrete focus in the moment. It may not resolve the source of anxiety, but it can be one useful coping tool.

 

4. Move in a manageable way. A short walk or other comfortable activity can support well-being. Harvard Health notes that regular exercise is associated with lower stress, improved mood, and better sleep. Choose something realistic for your health and circumstances; small amounts of movement count. (Harvard Health Publishing, 2024). 

 

5. Connect with someone you trust. You do not need to explain everything perfectly. You might say, “I have been feeling anxious. Could you listen or help me find support?” If anxiety is affecting school, work, relationships, sleep, or everyday responsibilities, consider speaking with a health professional. 

 

6. Keep taking small steps. Anxiety can lead people to avoid situations they fear. Evidence-based therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help people develop coping skills and gradually return to activities they have been avoiding. That work is best planned with a qualified therapist; it does not mean forcing yourself into overwhelming situations alone. Treatment may also include medication, depending on the person’s needs and preferences. (APA, n.d.; Mayo Clinic Staff, 2025). 

 

Progress can be uneven. A difficult day does not erase skills you have practiced or care you have received. If anxiety persists, intensifies, or makes daily life hard to manage, reach out to a qualified health professional for an assessment and help choosing next steps. 

 

 References

 

American Psychiatric Association. (n.d.). What are anxiety disorders? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders

Harvard Health Publishing. (2024, June 10). Anxiety. https://www.health.harvard.edu/topics/anxiety

Harvard Health Publishing. (2026, August 4). Meditation techniques: How to meditate for stress, sleep, and focus. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mental-health/meditation-techniques-how-to-meditate-for-stress-sleep-and-focus

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, July 29). Anxiety disorders: Diagnosis and treatment. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967

Can One Really Find Happiness?

  

Happiness is often presented as a destination: the perfect relationship, the dream job, financial freedom, or a life untouched by difficulty. Health science offers a more encouraging view.

Happiness is not the absence of sadness. It is the ability to experience meaning, connection, pleasure, resilience, and hope - even when life remains imperfect. Although genetics and circumstances influence well-being, many happiness-supporting behaviors can be practiced and strengthened.

 

Here are six established facts that may change the way you think about happiness.

 

 1. Happiness Is Partly Within Your Influence

 

Some people appear naturally optimistic, while others are more vulnerable to worry or low mood. Research summarized by Harvard Health suggests that genetics may account for approximately half of the differences in people’s general happiness levels. Life circumstances matter, but a meaningful portion of well-being is also associated with intentional activities, habits, and ways of thinking (Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, n.d.; Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.).

This does not mean that people can simply “think positive” and erase grief, illness, or hardship. It means emotional well-being is not completely fixed.

Try this: Instead of asking, “Why am I not happier?” ask, “What is one small action that supports the life I want?” A walk, a phone call, a creative activity, or a good night’s sleep can become a vote for your future well-being.

 

 2. Your Relationships May Matter More Than Your Achievements

 

One of the most important findings from the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development is that close relationships are strongly associated with happiness and healthier aging. Connection appears to support emotional well-being, while isolation can harm it - even when someone looks successful from the outside (Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.).

The World Health Organization has also identified social connection as an important influence on physical and mental health. Its Commission on Social Connection reported that loneliness and social isolation are associated with depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and premature death (World Health Organization, 2025).

The unknown-but-established truth is that happiness may depend less on having an impressive life than on having people with whom life can be shared.

Try this: Send one thoughtful message. Invite someone for a walk. Eat a meal without your phone. Happiness often grows through ordinary moments of being known and valued.

 

 3. Movement Is A Mood-Enhancing Tool

 

Exercise is not only a strategy for changing the body. It is also a way to influence the brain.

The World Health Organization reports that regular physical activity can improve sleep, concentration, self-esteem, and overall well-being while reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression (World Health Organization, 2020). The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services likewise identifies physical activity as beneficial for mental health, sleep, brain health, and quality of life (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018).

Importantly, movement does not have to happen in a gym. Walking, dancing, cycling, gardening, household tasks, and active recreation all count.

Try this: Begin with ten minutes of walking, stretching, gardening, or dancing. The best activity is usually the one you can repeat.

 

 4. Gratitude Is More Than A Pleasant Feeling

 

Gratitude does not require pretending that everything is fine. It trains attention to notice what is still nourishing, supportive, beautiful, or meaningful.

Harvard Health describes gratitude as being associated with greater happiness, stronger relationships, more positive emotions, and improved well-being (Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.). In addition, a 2024 cohort study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that older women with the highest levels of gratitude had a 9% lower risk of death from any cause over the study period than those with the lowest levels of gratitude (Chen et al., 2024).

This finding shows an association, not proof that gratitude directly causes a longer life. Still, it suggests that an emotional habit traditionally viewed as simple or sentimental may be connected to measurable health outcomes.

Try this: Each evening, write down three specific things that went well. Instead of “my life,” try “the sunlight during my walk,” “the message from my sister,” or “the meal I had time to enjoy.”

 

 5. Happiness Is Not Constant Cheerfulness

 

The World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being that helps people cope with ordinary stresses, recognize their abilities, work effectively, and contribute to their communities (World Health Organization, 2022).

That definition leaves room for difficult emotions. A mentally healthy person is not happy every minute. They may feel disappointed, lonely, angry, or afraid - and still be capable of recovery, connection, purpose, and hope.

This distinction matters. Chasing nonstop happiness can create pressure and shame. A more realistic goal is emotional flexibility: the ability to experience pain without believing that pain is your permanent identity.

Try this: When a difficult emotion appears, replace “I shouldn’t feel this” with “This is what I’m feeling right now.” Acceptance often reduces the additional suffering created by resistance.

 

 6. Purpose Can Make Ordinary Life Feel Meaningful

 

Happiness is not only about pleasure. People also flourish when they feel useful, connected to something larger than themselves, or engaged in activities that reflect their values.

Harvard Health emphasizes that volunteering, kindness, meaningful relationships, hobbies, and purposeful engagement can support well-being (Harvard Health Publishing, n.d.). The World Health Organization also emphasizes that mental well-being is influenced by supportive families, communities, workplaces, housing, education, and social environments (World Health Organization, 2022).

Purpose often begins where attention moves beyond the self.

Try this: Ask yourself, “Who benefits when I show up?” The answer might be a child, a friend, a patient, a customer, a neighbor, an animal, or your future self. Purpose does not have to be grand to be powerful.

 

The Encouraging Truth

 

Can one really find happiness? Yes - but perhaps not in the way we were taught to search for it.

Happiness is rarely discovered all at once. It is cultivated through repeated contact with people, practices, places, and purposes that make life feel worth inhabiting. It can coexist with grief. It can return after loss. It can begin with something as small as a walk, a thank-you note, a nourishing meal, or an honest conversation.

You do not have to become permanently cheerful. You only have to keep creating conditions in which well-being has a chance to grow.

Sometimes, that is where happiness first finds you.

 

References

 

Chen, Y., Okereke, O. I., Kim, E. S., Tiemeier, H., Kubzansky, L. D., & VanderWeele, T. J. (2024). Gratitude and mortality among older US female nurses. JAMA Psychiatry, 81(9),  eh? https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1687

 

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Giving thanks can make you happier. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier

 

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). The happiness-health connection. Harvard Medical School. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/the-happiness-health-connection

 

Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Harvard study of adult development. https://www.adultdevelopmentstudy.org/

 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2018). Physical activity guidelines for Americans (2nd ed.). Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. https://odphp.health.gov/paguidelines/second-edition

 

World Health Organization. (2020). WHO guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128

 

World Health Organization. (2022). World mental health report: Transforming mental health for all. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240049338

 

World Health Organization. (2025). From loneliness to social connection: Charting a path to healthier societies. https://www.who.int/teams/social-determinants-of-health/demographic-change-and-healthy-ageing/social-connection