Meditate Awake

Stress has a habit of piling up. Something that would usually only be a little bit stressful becomes incredibly stressful when you’re already stressed. And the more stressed you get, the harder it is to engage with those activities — like exercise and socializing — that lower stress hormones. But psychologist Barbara Fredrickson shares good news: brief bursts of happiness, laughter, contentment and gratitude can build up our resilience to stress. That means that little things like having a quick coffee with an old friend, listening to a favorite comedian or having a moment of appreciation — all things that are quick and easy to do every day — can have lasting benefits. In other words, those little things you include in your day that give you a sense of immediate happiness are not frivolous. They are worthwhile. They could protect your mental health for years to come.