“Oh, keep talking happy talk. Talking about the things you like to do.” — Daniel Johnston
Because 75% of lifelong mental-health conditions begin before age 24, it's never too early to establish protective daily habits. The “Happy Habits” are six simple, science-backed practices that make it easier for anyone to nurture mental well-being every day. Together, they form a practical roadmap for feeling connected, balanced, and resilient.
Acts of kindness trigger the release of “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin, which lift mood and lower stress. They also reinforce a sense of purpose and connection, two key buffers against anxiety and depression. Here are resources to help you check in with the people you care about—simply by asking,
”Hi, how are you?”
ARTICLES
Signs Your Friend Might Be Struggling
By: The JED Foundation
This article shares signs that someone close to you might be experiencing difficulty and shows how to help.
How to Check In With a Friend
By: NY Times
Take advantage of these tips on how to ask a friend if things are okay (when they’re obviously not).
Conversation Starters for Talking About Mental Health
By: Seize the Awkward
Need help starting a mental health conversation? Start here with some helpful opening lines.
Talk Tool for Mental Health Conversations
By: BC2M
Select a mental health topic and this convenient tool generates a prompt to help you start a conversation.
Random Acts of Kindness Generator
By: Kind 365
Looking to spread kindness but don’t know where to start? Try this random generator for good tips on doing good.
TOOLS
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
How Do I Start a Conversation About Mental Health?
By: PBS News Hour Student Reporting Labs
In this podcast, student reporters Matt and Faiza talk about how to open up, share feelings and discuss mental health.
Help Others to Help Yourself
By: The Happiness Lab
Yale Professor of Psychology Dr. Laurie Santos shares how helping others can improve your mental health.
How to Talk About Mental Health
By: Psych Hub
Learn a few simple steps on how to help better identify your feelings and share them with others.
Fun fact: making things makes you feel better. Engaging in creative activities has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower anxiety and promote a sense of accomplishment. So yeah, expressing yourself is a form of self care. Here are some ways to get started.
ARTICLES
Special Report on Art and the Brain
By: Art and Creative Healing
This in-depth report offers evidence on how art changes the brain and improves your quality of life
The Powerful Connection Between Creativity and Mental Health
By: Adobe Foundation and NAMI
The National Alliance on Mental Illness explores the positive connections between creativity and health.
The Benefits of Singing in the Shower
By: Frontiers in Psychology
Why is belting Mamma Mia in the shower good for you? Science. Learn about the benefits of singing.
TOOLS
Art Therapy Activities
By: Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Benefit from some of Rocky Mountain College’s favorite healing art therapy exercises.
Adult Coloring Pages
By: Coloring Therapy
Download free coloring pages designed to promote relaxation, reduce stress and stimulate creativity.
How To Doodle a Wall
By: Mr. Doodle
Here’s an off-the-wall idea: doodle one. Mr. Doodle shows you how to start your own doodle wall.
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
How Creativity Can Help Our Mental Health
By: TEDx
Artist and writer Kate Moore explains why she believes that creativity changes lives for the better.
The Wellbeing Benefits of Practicing Art
By: American Medical Association
The American Medical Association highlights how having creative outlets can help relieve stress.
Good moods start with good foods. What you eat, drink and even how much you sleep can have a huge impact on how you think and feel. Learn about the role that nutrition, alcohol consumption and sleep can have on your mind and take steps to stay happy, healthy and well rested.
ARTICLES
Nutritional Psychology: Your Brain on Food
By: Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School shares a full menu of foods you can eat to boost your mental health.
Understanding Mental Health and Drinking
By: The Jed Foundation
Discover the role alcohol plays in your physical and mental health as well as signs you may be drinking too much.
How Sleep Impacts Mental Health
By: Columbia Psychiatry
A Columbia psychologist explains the challenges that come with poor sleep and why it makes it more difficult to cope with stress.
TOOLS
40+ Tips & Tricks To Help Students Optimize Their Sleep
By: Dunelm
Insights and tips for students to improve their sleep.
An Expert-Approved Diet Plan for a Happier, Less-Stressed You
By: Everyday Health
This plan shares the best and worst foods to eat when you’re stressed and offers up a stress-free grocery list.
Mental Health Meal Prep
By: PsychCentral
Find several convenient recipes to boost mood, clear brain fog, calm anxiety, help sleep and more.
The Surprisingly Dramatic Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
By: TEDx Talks
Clinical psychologist Julia Rucklidge explores the significant role played by nutrition in mental health.
What Alcohol Does to Your Body, Brain and Health
By: Andrew Huberman
This talk explores the negative impact that even low-to-moderate alcohol consumption can have on your health.
Why Sleep is the Most Important Pillar of Health
By: Professor Matthew Walker
Sleep expert Matthew Walker shares how sleep can affect every aspect of our mental health.
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
Being active can actively calm your mind. Physical exercise releases endorphins, lowers stress, reduces anxiety and improves sleep, which all has a positive impact on your mental health. Find out how you can use exercise to strengthen your overall well-being.
ARTICLES
How Exercise Eases Depression and Anxiety
By: Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic explains how exercise can be mentally beneficial and shares tips on starting a wellness-focused exercise program.
The Mental Health Benefits of Walking Outside
By; VCU Health
This article shares why you should take a hike by explaining the scientific benefits of being outside.
Exercise as a Treatment to Fight Depression
By: Harvard Health
Harvard Health documents how exercise can improve mental health and even be as effective as antidepressants in some cases.
TOOLS
5 Exercises to Fight Anxiety
By: Medical News Today
Learn a few simple things you can do to instantly combat feelings of stress, anxiety, and panic.
The Best Types of Exercise for Mental Health
By: genesight
Find a full regimen of exercises to help ease symptoms of depression and anxiety and improve mental health.
9 Exercises to Top Depression
By: Counseling Center
Enjoy these exercises which are proven to help relieve depression and improve overall well-being.
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
How 21-minute Walks Can Greatly Impact Health
By: Living Well Podcast
Dr. Christine Marschilok breaks down the benefits of walking, including how it can boost your mood.
How to Use Exercise to Improve Your Brain’s Health, Longevity & Performance
By: Huberman Labs
This podcast explains how exercise impacts mental health and shares key activities to improve brain function.
Keep mindfulness in mind as you think about your well-being. Mindful practices like meditation and gratitude journaling have been proven to ease anxiety, manage stress and improve focus and concentration. Learn how to take moments in the moment to be happier, healthier and more fulfilled.
ARTICLES
Meditation: A Simple, Fast Way to Reduce Stress
By: Mayo Clinic
The Mayo Clinic shares how meditation can reduce stress and offers tips on how to get started.
What are the benefits of Mindfulness? American
By: American Psychological Association
This research report documents the benefits of mindfulness for stress reduction, focus, cognitive flexibility and more.
Giving Thanks Can Make You Happier
By: Harvard Medical School
Be thankful for being thankful with this article from Harvard University on the benefits of gratitude.
TOOLS
13 Gratitude Exercises and Activities
By: Positive Psychology
Find a bank of helpful resources to foster gratitude including lessons, worksheets, quizzes and more.
How to Meditate
By: Headspace
Headspace breaks down the basics of meditation and offers a simple meditation for beginners.
5 Minute Mindfulness Meditation
By: Great Meditation
Listen to a free guided 5-minute meditation that’s ideal for beginning a practice
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
How Meditation Works and Effective Meditations
By: Huberman Lab
Learn about the science behind different types of meditation and build your ideal practice.
How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain
By: TED
Psychologist and brain cancer survivor Christina Costa highlights the brain benefits of gratitude.
How I Fixed My Attention Span
By: Answer In Progress
Sabrina from Answer in Progress measures her scattered focus with an EEG, strips away digital distractions, and ultimately finds that daily meditation and mindful scheduling bring her attention back under control.
Strong social connections are crucial for your mental health. When you feel more connected to others you are less likely to experience anxiety and depression and more likely to experience higher self esteem. Learn why fostering a sense of belonging belongs among your healthy habits.
ARTICLES
Connectedness and Health: the Science of Social Connection
By: Stanford Medicine
This study by Stanford University shows how social connection improves longevity and immunity.
The Risks of Social Isolation
By: American Psychological Association
Top psychologists share the negative effects of social isolation and give tips on how to combat it.
How to Make Friends as an Adult
By: Science of People
Get pointers on how to meet new people, make friends and add to your social circle.
TOOLS
These Apps Help You Make New Friends
By: Vox
Discover apps and social platforms designed to help you broaden your social circle.
How to Use the 3:6 Rule to Make Friends
By: Glam
Learn a simple hack to help build a meaningful friendship with someone new.
VIDEOS/PODCASTS
What Makes Social Connection So Vital To Our Well-Being?
By: TED Radio Hour
Psychologist Susan Pinker explains the importance of face-to-face interactions in regards to your positive mental health.
How Human Connection Makes You Healthier
By: Eat Move Think
This insightful talk explains how your health is directly related to the most important relationships in your life.
