Wrap up your year with 31 days of Wellness
Each day in December, our mental health team will share short, research-based wellness videos on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and our Be Well YouTube playlist—simple practices we do ourselves to nurture connection, calm and wellness, as part of our 2025 year-end Season of Wellness Campaign. We’d love for you to follow along, share them with others, and take time to practice wellness yourself.
Our hope is that these daily moments become a gentle reminder to slow down, breathe, rest, laugh, and connect with yourself and others in meaningful ways.
Be Well, Laugh
Did you know that laughter lowers stress hormones and boosts endorphins, your body’s natural feel-good chemicals?
A cross-cultural study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found that laughter therapy improves both physical and mental well-being. Laughter reduces cortisol, lowers blood pressure, strengthens immune function, and even improves pain tolerance. Their findings suggest that laughter is not only a response to joy but a creator of it, helping the body and mind recover from stress.
Even a small laugh can make a difference.
Be well, laugh.
This Be Well practice was shared by Fuller Life therapist Jessica Coufal, as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, expanding access to therapy across Houston.
Hasan, H., & Hasan, T. F. (2009). Laugh yourself into a healthier person: A cross-cultural analysis of the effects of laughter on health. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 15(5), 56–64.n
Be Well, Dance
Did you know that just one dance session can lift your mood and lower stress hormones?
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology (2025) found that movement, especially with others, increases endorphins and strengthens feelings of connection.
Even a brief dance can create a lasting sense of calm. Be well, dance.
This “Be Well” practice was inspired by a video shared by Fuller Life therapist Shayla Johnson on her personal social media, which inspired our entire Be Well series! Thanks Shayla!
Zhang, Y., & Ma, H. (2025). The impact of dance on the mental health of older adults: A network meta-analysis of anxiety, depression, and well-being. Frontiers in Psychology, 15, 1733911.
Be Well, Self Soothe
Did you know that peppermint can wake up your mind and sharpen your focus?
Research shows that even brief exposure to peppermint aroma boosts alertness, improves memory, and increases energy. In a 2008 study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, participants who inhaled peppermint reported higher motivation, less fatigue, and better performance on attention tasks, all without caffeine or stimulants. Peppermint is a scent we often associate with this season, making it an easy and familiar way to refresh your thoughts and refocus your energy.
Be well, self-soothe.
This Be Well practice was shared by Dr. Amy Fuller, Founder and Clinical Director of Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care in Houston. All month long, we’re sharing daily Be Well videos with simple, research-backed practices.
Moss, M., Hewitt, S., Moss, L., & Wesnes, K. (2008). Modulation of cognitive performance and mood by aromas of peppermint and ylang-ylang. International Journal of Neuroscience, 118(1), 59–77.
Be Well, Unplug
Did you know that taking short breaks from screens can lower stress and improve mood?
A 2016 study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking found that people who took a one-week break from Facebook reported higher life satisfaction and lower stress compared to those who stayed online. Even brief pauses give our attention, emotions, and nervous systems a chance to reset.
This season, take a moment to unplug — open a book, watch the light change, or listen to the quiet.
Be well, unplug.
This Be Well practice was shared by Fuller Life therapist Erin Viramontes.
Please excuse the irony of offering an “unplug” prompt on the very screen we’re using to encourage you to “Be Well” this month as part of our Year-End Campaign. We hope you’ll follow along, unplug when you can, and share with anyone who might find these wellness shorts helpful.
Tromholt, M. (2016). The Facebook experiment: Quitting Facebook leads to higher well-being and lower stress. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 19(11), 661–666.
Be Well, Go Slow
Did you know that going slow on purpose can help your mind handle stress more effectively?
Research shows that when we practice paying attention differently—shifting from autopilot into present-moment awareness—we cope with daily stress in healthier, more grounded ways.
Most of us rush without noticing it. Tiny pauses can shift everything.
This holiday season, try small moments of intentional slowness: choose the slow lane, pick the longer line, or pause for a breath before moving on.
These little choices help bring your mind back to the present moment, making stress feel more manageable.
Be well. Go slow.
— Video and tip by Dr. Amy Fuller, Founder and Clinical Director
Donald, J. N., Atkins, P. W. B., Parker, P. D., Christie, A. M., & Ryan, R. M. (2016). Daily stress and the benefits of mindfulness: Examining the role of mindful attention in stress reactivity. Journal of Research in Personality, 65, 30–37.
Be Well, Let Nature Nurture You
Did you know that simply touching plants can calm your nervous system and lift your mood?
Studies have shown that physical contact with leaves and soil — such as during light gardening or caring for houseplants — can lower blood pressure, slow heart rate, and activate brain regions linked to relaxation and emotional stability. In one experiment published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, participants who touched living plants showed a drop in sympathetic nervous activity — the body’s “stress mode.”
Even brief, mindful contact with greenery created measurable peace in both mind and body.
Be well, let nature nurture you.
[Video by Jessica Coufal, Fuller Life Therapist]
Park, S.-A., Song, C., & Son, K.-C. (2016). Effects of contact with plants on human psychophysiological responses. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 35(1), 8.
Be Well, Play
Did you know that play activates brain systems linked to joy, connection, and emotional resilience?
Research with adults shows that playfulness is associated with higher life satisfaction, better mood, and a stronger ability to cope with stress. Even small, lighthearted moments — tossing a ball, being silly, moving your body for fun — can help your mind reset and soften tension.
As Nicole Thompson shares a simple moment of play in her yard, may it remind you that play reconnects us with lightness, presence, and the parts of us that make stress feel a little less heavy.
Be well. Play.
Research: Proyer, R. T. (2011). The well-being of playful adults: Adult playfulness, subjective well-being, physical well-being, and the pursuit of enjoyable activities. European Journal of Humour Research, 1(1), 1–15.
Be Well, Connect
Did you know that holding hands with someone you care about can actually reduce pain and stress?
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that gentle hand-holding can synchronize breathing and heart rhythms — a physiological sign of comfort and empathy.
Touch connects us, regulates us, and reminds us we’re not alone. Reach out.
Connect Be well. Hold hands.
We’re excited to connect with our followers and supporters. Through Be Well Give Wellness, we’re sharing daily practices to care for your mind and spirit while also raising funds to ensure more Houston families can receive therapy — especially those in underserved communities. If this mission resonates with you, we’d welcome your partnership. Learn more: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/y…
— Video by Dr. Amy Fuller, Founder & Clinical Director
Goldstein, P., Weissman-Fogel, I., Dumas, G., & Shamay-Tsoory, S. G. (2018). Brain-to-brain coupling during handholding is associated with pain reduction. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 115(11), E2528–E2537.
Be Well, Be Grateful
Did you know that expressing gratitude in writing can boost your mood and increase overall well-being?
A widely cited study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people who wrote about things they were grateful for experienced higher positive emotion, greater optimism, and improved overall well-being. Even a few written words made a meaningful difference in emotional health.
As Dr. Amy Fuller shares this moment of writing thank-you notes from our recent mental health benefit, may it remind you that gratitude doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. A simple note of thanks can shift your perspective and brighten your day.
Be well. Be grateful.
Dr. Fuller shares this glimpse of writing thank-you notes after our recent mental health benefit. Our supporters mean the world to us. If you feel drawn to our mission of expanding access to therapy in Houston, we’d love to invite you to join our community of care.
Learn more: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Research:
Emmons, R. A., & McCullough, M. E. (2003). Counting blessings versus burdens: An experihttps://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/application_uploads/Emmons-GratitudePDF.pdfmental investigation of gratitude and subjective well-being in daily life. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(2), 377–389.
Be Well, Connect
Did you know that hugging someone you love can help your body calm down?
A study from the University of North Carolina found that couples who shared warm physical contact — including a simple hug — showed lower heart rates and reduced blood pressure when faced with something stressful.
As Nicole Thompson shares a quiet moment of connection, may it remind you that a simple hug can bring real physiological ease.
Be well. Connect.
Grewen, K. M., Anderson, B. J., Girdler, S. S., & Light, K. C. (2005). Warm partner contact is related to lower cardiovascular reactivity. Biological Psychology, 69(1), 5–21.
Be Well, Rest
Did you know that when you rest and do nothing, your brain becomes more active in important ways?
Research shows that rest allows the brain to integrate, process, and restore.
This holiday season, let yourself rest—without needing to be productive.
Be well. Rest.
This Be Well practice was shared by Fuller Life therapist Sika Apoloo, as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care across Houston. Follow along and explore the series here: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Research:
Luo W, Liu B, Tang Y, Huang J, Wu J. Rest to Promote Learning: A Brain Default Mode Network Perspective. Behavioral Sciences. 2024;14(4):349.
Be Well, Move Rhythmically
Did you know that moving your body to rhythm can support your emotional well-being?
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis found that rhythmic physical activity—such as dance, music-based movement, or coordinated rhythmic exercise—can reduce depression, lower anxiety, and improve quality of life in older adults, whether or not they have mild cognitive impairment
Rhythmic movement engages both the body and the brain, helping regulate mood, awaken energy, and spark moments of joy.
Contributed by student volunteer and marketing consultant Sania Jamal.
Follow along and explore the series here: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Research:
Sánchez-Alcalá, M., Aibar-Almazán, A., Afanador-Restrepo, D. F., Carcelén-Fraile, M. C., Achalandabaso-Ochoa, A., Castellote-Caballero, Y., & Hita-Contreras, F. (2023). The impact of rhythmic physical activity on mental health and quality of life in older adults with and without cognitive impairment: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Be Well, Go Outside
Did you know that when you rest and do nothing, your brain becomes more active in important ways?
A large study published in Scientific Reports found that people who spent at least two hours a week outdoors—often through simple activities like walking—reported higher levels of well-being and overall health. Those minutes didn’t have to happen all at once. Short, regular walks counted.
Be well. Go Outside.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Margarita Castaneda, who incorporates daily walking as part of her own wellness routine.
Research:
White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., Bone, A., Depledge, M. H., & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific Reports, 9, 7730.
Be Well, Explore
Did you know that exploring new places—even small, everyday ones—is linked to greater well-being?
Neuroscience research from NYU found that people who experience more variety in their daily environments report higher positive emotions. Brain imaging showed stronger connectivity in regions involved in reward and learning, suggesting that exploration supports emotional vitality and engagement with life.
Be well. Explore.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Sania, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who shares how taking her children to explore new places—parks, neighborhoods, and everyday adventures—supports curiosity, connection, and emotional well-being.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Heller, A. S., Shi, T. C., Ezie, C. E., Renéau, T. R., & Hartley, C. A. (2020). Association between real-world experiential diversity and positive affect relates to hippocampal–striatal functional connectivity. Nature Neuroscience.
Be Well, Reflect
Did you know that simply writing about what’s on your heart can impact your health in meaningful ways?
Research shows that expressive writing—taking 15–20 minutes on several occasions to write about stressful or emotional experiences—is linked with improved mood and psychological well-being, better immune function, and fewer stress-related visits to the doctor (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005).
Journaling doesn’t have to be perfect or polished.
Just a few honest minutes on the page can help you pause, notice what’s present, and reconnect with yourself.
Be well. Reflect.
This Be Well practice was shared by Fuller Life therapist Sika Apoloo, as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care across Houston. Follow along and explore the series here: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Research:
Baikie, K. A., & Wilhelm, K. (2005). Emotional and physical health benefits of expressive writing. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 11(5), 338–346.
Be Well, Be Kind
Did you know that practicing kindness supports emotional regulation over time?
Research published in Psychological Science found that repeated positive social interactions—moments of warmth, care, and connection—are linked to stronger emotional regulation and resilience. Over time, these interactions were associated with improvements in physiological regulation (measured through vagal tone), suggesting an ongoing, reinforcing relationship between kindness, emotional well-being, and the body’s ability to recover from stress.
In other words, kindness isn’t just meaningful in the moment. When practiced regularly, it contributes to an upward spiral of emotional resilience and connection.
Be well. Be kind.
This Be Well practice invites us to notice how small, everyday acts of kindness—toward others and ourselves—can quietly support mental and emotional health over time.
This Be Well practice was shared by Fuller Life therapist Sika Apoloo as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Kok, B. E., Coffey, K. A., Cohn, M. A., et al. (2013). How positive emotions build physical health: Perceived positive social connections account for the upward spiral between positive emotions and vagal tone. Psychological Science
Be Well, Stay Curious
Did you know that curiosity and ongoing learning are linked to better quality of life?
A 2025 study published in Societies found that older adults who stayed curious—by learning new things, exploring interests, and engaging with the world—reported higher quality of life and greater well-being. Curiosity supports mental flexibility, engagement, and a sense of meaning over time.
Be well, Stay Curious.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Gisselle, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who values curiosity as a way to remain open, engaged, and present.
As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices, we’re also inviting our community to help make quality mental health care more accessible across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate or visit https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Haapala, I., Ng, K., Kahlos, A., & Paakkari, L. (2025). Curiosity and learning are associated with quality of life in older adults. Societies, 15(8), 224.
Be Well, Exhale
Did you know that something as simple as lengthening your exhale can shift your body out of stress?
When we breathe slowly and intentionally — especially focusing on a long, steady exhale — the body activates its parasympathetic “rest and restore” system.
A 2017 study in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience found that slow, deep breathing reduced anxiety and heart rate by increasing vagal tone — the body’s built-in calm response.
Even a few mindful breaths can regulate emotions, steady the heartbeat, and bring your attention back to the present moment.
Try it now:
Inhale for four.
Exhale for six.
Notice what softens.
Be well, exhale.
Join us in closing the year with care and connection: Fuller Life Family Therapy Year-End Campaign
Research:
Zaccaro, A., Piarulli, A., Laurino, M., Garbella, E., Menicucci, D., Neri, B., Gemignani, A. (2018). How breath-control can change your life: A systematic review on psychophysiological correlates of slow breathing. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 12, 353.
Be Well, Move
Did you know that simple movement, like walking or stretching, is linked to better mental health?
In a large study of over one million adults, people who engaged in physical activity reported significantly fewer days of poor mental health than those who did not.
Moderate movement — including walking — showed strong benefits for mood and emotional well-being.
Be well. Move.
Movement supports mental health — even when it’s simple.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Widalis Rogue Rodriguez, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who shares a moment of movement and connection while walking with her son.
As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also inviting our community to help expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 or learn more at https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Reference:
Chekroud, S. R., et al. (2018). Association between physical exercise and mental health in 1.2 million individuals in the United States. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(9), 739–746
Be Well, Create
Did you know even small, hands-on creative moments can lift mood and strengthen resilience — creating what researchers called an “upward spiral of well-being.”
Research published in The Journal of Positive Psychology found that when people engaged in everyday creativity, they experienced higher energy, enthusiasm, and emotional flourishing the following day.
Be Well, Create.
Join us in closing the year with care and connection:
Fuller Life Family Therapy Year-End Campaign
Research:
Conner, T. S., DeYoung, C. G., & Silvia, P. J. (2018). Everyday creative activity as a path to flourishing: Daily diary findings from New Zealand adults. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 13(2), 181–189.
Be Well, Not Perfect
Did you know that perfectionism is strongly associated with higher stress, greater anxiety, and increased psychological distress?
A major meta-analysis found that when we hold rigid standards for ourselves, it becomes harder to cope with everyday challenges and easier to fall into patterns of tension, self-criticism, and emotional overwhelm .
Practicing gentle acceptance—even in small ways—helps soften this cycle. In this wellness moment, a picture frame is intentionally left a little crooked as a quiet reminder that calm doesn’t come from getting everything just right. It comes from allowing what is.
May presence take the place of perfection as you move through this season.
Be well. Not perfect.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Dr. Amy Fuller, as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care across Houston.
Follow along and explore the series here: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
Reference:
Routledge in Stoeber, ed. (2017).Perfectionism and health: The roles of health behaviors and stress-related processes. The Psychology of Perfectionism: Theory, Research, Applications. Routledge , London.
Be Well, Pray
Did you know that quiet, reflective prayer supports emotional regulation?
Research across psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience suggests that prayer and other contemplative practices are associated with lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms, reduced physiological stress responses, and greater emotional steadiness over time. These practices are linked to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system — the body’s “rest-and-recover” system — which helps slow heart rate, calm breathing, and support emotional balance.
Prayer is also associated with increased feelings of meaning, hope, and connection, all of which are protective factors for mental health and resilience. Over time, these effects appear to support both emotional regulation and the body’s capacity to recover from stress.
Be Well, Pray.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Nicole, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who shares how prayer supports grounding and emotional regulation in her daily life.
As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also inviting our community to help expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Research:
Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry.
Be Well, Notice Beauty
Did you know that even brief exposure to natural scenery can support emotional well-being?
Research on nature and “blue space” shows that viewing landscapes—whether walking, sitting, or driving through them—is associated with lower stress and improved mood. These visual moments of beauty invite the nervous system to settle and offer space for reflection, even in motion.
Be well. Notice beauty.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Gisselle, a therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute, who shares a moment of noticing beauty while driving through scenic surroundings.
As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also inviting our community to help expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Reference:
White, M. P., Elliott, L. R., Gascon, M., Roberts, B., & Fleming, L. E. (2020). Blue space, health and well-being: A narrative overview and synthesis of potential benefits. Environmental Research, 191.
Be Well, Pet a Furry Friend
Did you know that gentle interaction with animals supports emotional regulation?
Research on human–animal interaction shows that petting an animal is associated with increased oxytocin and reduced stress hormones like cortisol. These physiological shifts support calm, connection, and nervous system regulation.
This season, pause to pet a furry friend and let your body soften into the moment.
Be well. Pet.
As we share simple, research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also inviting our community to help expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Research:
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions: The possible role of oxytocin. Frontiers in Psychology, 3, 234.
Be Well, Visit a Forest
Did you know that spending time in a forest can create measurable shifts in your body’s stress response?
Research shows that walking among trees lowers cortisol, slows the pulse rate, reduces blood pressure, and increases parasympathetic activity—the part of the nervous system that helps you calm and restore. Even a short walk in nature can help your whole system soften and reset.
Be well. Visit a forest.
This Be Well practice was contributed by Sania Jamil as part of our Year-End Campaign: Be Well, Give Wellness, supporting accessible mental health care across Houston.
Text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Reference:
Park, B. J., Tsunetsugu, Y., Kasetani, T., Kagawa, T., & Miyazaki, Y. (2008). Physiological effects of Shinrin-Yoku (taking in the forest atmosphere or forest bathing): Evidence from field experiments in 24 forests across Japan. Journal of Physiological Anthropology, 26(2), 135–142.
Be Well, Self Soothe
Did you know that the scent of lavender can calm your nervous system within minutes?
n a 2019 study published in Physiology & Behavior, researchers found that inhaling lavender essential oil significantly reduced anxiety and lowered blood pressure by activating the body’s parasympathetic “rest and restore” response.
Lavender’s natural compounds, like linalool, interact with brain receptors that regulate mood and calm overstimulation—helping you feel both grounded and relaxed.
A single deep breath can signal your body that you’re safe.
Be well, Self-soothe.
Join us in closing the year with care and connection:
Fuller Life Family Therapy Year-End Campaign
Research:
Koulivand, P. H., Khaleghi Ghadiri, M., & Gorji, A. (2019). Lavender and the nervous system. Physiology & Behavior, 211, 112676.
Be Well, Enjoy a Warm Fire
Did you know warmth, steady light, and gentle sensory input matter more than we often realize.
Research published in Psychoneuroendocrinology highlights how calming sensory experiences are associated with reduced cortisol and support the body’s natural stress-recovery systems. These physiological shifts help the nervous system move out of urgency and back toward balance.
Taking a few moments to sit by a fire — watching the flames, feeling the warmth, letting your body slow — can be a simple way to support emotional regulation during a busy season.
Be Well. Enjoy a Warm Fire.
As we share research-backed wellness practices this season, we’re also working to expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Learn more or support the HEART Equity Fund: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
or text WELLNESS to 53-555
Reference:
Beetz, A., Uvnäs-Moberg, K., Julius, H., & Kotrschal, K. (2012). Psychosocial and psychophysiological effects of human–animal interactions. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 37(11), 183–194.
Be Well, Treat Yourself
Did you know a massage is so much more than relaxation?
Research shows massage therapy is associated with about a 30% reduction in cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Studies also show dopamine and serotonin increase by roughly 28–31%, supporting mood, motivation, and emotional regulation. Massage has additionally been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body shift into rest, repair, and recovery.
Be Well. Treat Yourself to a Massage.
This Be Well practice was shared by Nicole Thompson, therapist at Fuller Life Family Therapy Institute.
As part of our year-end campaign, we’re sharing simple, research-backed wellness practices while expanding access to therapy across Houston.
To support wellness and access to care, text WELLNESS to 53-555 to donate.
Research:
Field, T. (2014). Massage therapy research review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 20(4), 224–229.
Be Well and Savor
Did you know that taking time to savor the small moments — like a slow cup of coffee or a few quiet minutes in the morning — can increase happiness and reduce stress?
According to researchers Smith and Bryant (2017), savoring is the mindful awareness of positive experiences — noticing the taste, texture, and warmth of something you enjoy, and allowing yourself to feel gratitude in the moment.
Their review of the science of savoring found that this simple act enhances emotional balance, strengthens relationships, and builds resilience against daily stress.
So this season, don’t rush through what’s good.
Pause. Taste. Notice.
Be well, Savor.
Join us in closing the year with care and connection:
Fuller Life Family Therapy Year-End Campaign
Reference:
Smith, J. L., & Bryant, F. B. (2017). Savoring and well-being: Mapping the terrain of the science of positive experience. Handbook of Positive Psychology, Assessment, and Intervention (pp. 165–182). Springer Publishing Company.
Be Well, Gather
Did you know that strong social connection supports long-term health and well-being?
A large meta-analysis of social connection and health found that strong social relationships are associated with lower stress and better long-term health outcomes. Positive, meaningful connection helps the nervous system regulate and reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone.
This Be Well practice comes from a moment of shared joy at the Fuller Life Christmas party — celebrating connection, community, and care.
As we share simple practices that support well-being, we’re also working to expand access to affordable mental health care across Houston.
Learn more or support the HEART Equity Fund: https://fullerlifefamilytherapy.org/yearend/
or text WELLNESS to 53-555
Research:
Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T. B., & Layton, J. B. (2010). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLoS Medicine, 7(7), e1000316.
Stay Tuned…
We will be sharing a new research backed wellness tip every day in December!
Even a small laugh can make a difference.
Be well, laugh.
