What we’re doing less of in 2026, plus how to break bad habits

At the start of a new year, it’s hard not to get swept up in the allure of New Year’s resolutions: Setting goals you want to achieve or pinpointing the bad habits you want to break. For many people, breaking bad habits can be easier when you swap a not-so-great behavior out for a healthier […]

How to volunteer with young children: Tips and ideas for families

NEW YORK (AP) — When Cami Teacoach’s son turned three she set out to find volunteer opportunities they could do together. He made Valentine cards for senior citizens. They hiked and picked up trash. He helped harvest produce at community gardens and made seed balls out of mud, throwing them into the forest to promote […]

How to start reading books again as an adult

NEW YORK (AP) — People stop reading in adulthood for lots of reasons. But it’s never too late to turn the page on old habits and start again. Curling up with a good book can reduce stress, increase creativity and boost empathy. A recent analysis of U.S. government data found that the percentage of Americans […]

How to remember your health questions during a doctor’s visit

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s not unusual for a 20-something to text Mom in a panic from the doctor’s office, seeking help answering a question. And patients of any age can struggle to recall all their medicines — or forget to mention a concern. Getting the most out of a doctor’s visit requires some advance preparation. […]

How Nordic countries embrace the long dark winter and beat the blues

The Nordic countries are no strangers to the long, dark winter. Despite little to no daylight — plus months of frigid temperatures — people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues, which can begin as early […]

How to connect with old friends and why it matters

NEW YORK (AP) — When Jennifer Lea Austin met Molly in second grade, they quickly became best friends. They giggled through classes until the teacher separated them, inspiring them to come up with their own language. They shared sleepovers and went on each other’s family vacations. But they gradually drifted apart after Austin’s family moved […]

How to nurture your long-distance friendships

Open this photo in gallery: Research has shown that our social networks tend to shrink around the age of 25.iStockphoto/iStockPhoto / Getty Images Just a few years ago, I simply had to walk a few steps across my Toronto apartment to talk to my two best friends. I was a part of a tight-knit, five-person […]