stress

From blah to buoyant, these skills can improve your mood and optimism

5:00am March 04, 2025

Last fall, thousands of people took part in a stress reduction study, learning skills that can improve mood and reduce anxiety. The results are in: Here's what they show.

She suspected a heart attack, but was diagnosed with broken heart syndrome

5:00am February 17, 2025

by Allison Aubrey

Broken Heart Syndrome mimics symptoms of a heart attack. It can strike after a stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, a physical shock, or prolonged anxiety. The good news: It's treatable.

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Science

A study finds that dogs can smell your stress — and make decisions accordingly

3:24pm July 23, 2024

by Rachel Treisman

Researchers made volunteers do public speaking and math on the spot, then showed them a calming video. Then, using sweat samples, glass jars and food bowls, they examined the emotional impact on dogs.

businessman carrying chaos stress ball. concept of depression, stress and pressure.

What stresses you out? What helps you cope? We want to hear from you

6:00am July 13, 2024

by NPR's Science Desk

NPR is planning coverage on the stressors people face and how they find relief. Please tell us what keeps you up at night and what coping tips and techniques you'd recommend.

Health & Safety

Gauging the impact of Medicaid expansion in North Carolina

8:34am January 17, 2024

by David Ford

It’s estimated that more than 500,000 people will soon gain access to health care coverage in North Carolina through Medicaid expansion. The new law’s impact on individuals, families and the medical professionals who care for them will be closely monitored.

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vintage toned young brunette on a bicycle, lit by the Autumn sunset.

Health & Safety

Can little actions bring big joy? Researchers find 'micro-acts' can boost well-being

2:44pm November 14, 2023

by Allison Aubrey

A new citizen-scientist research project aims to test whether daily moments of awe, kindness and gratitude can make a real impact. Early results are promising. And it's not too late to join the study.

People walk along Wall Street near the New York Stock Exchange, in New York City. The stock market has been volatile as the war in Ukraine and high oil prices continues to worry investors. Americans' stress about global uncertainty is high, according to a

Americans' stress is spiking over inflation, war in Ukraine, survey finds

5:38pm March 10, 2022

by Rhitu Chatterjee

The annual survey finds Americans more on edge than ever, triggered by financial issues, the war overseas and the cumulative pressure of living through the pandemic.

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Dr. Ricardo Nuila, a physician in Houston, had already begun writing a book when the pandemic began. He felt lucky to have something to escape to when he felt powerless. A typewriter sits with a page typed out that says "Chapter One". He says, "One day yo

Health & Safety

Why your doctor may be quilting and your nurse may have a podcast

4:02pm December 29, 2021

by Grace Farris

You could call them hobbies. But for some health workers facing burnout, creative outlets provide more than solace — they give a sense of meaning and community.

Teenager Sama Ahel was taught deep breathing to cope following the Gaza-Israel conflict in May.

Health & Safety

Deep breathing helps kids ease 'Gaza trauma'

8:42pm November 16, 2021

It's difficult to treat Gazans, said psychologist Ismael Ahel. "We can't just deal with the first trauma or the second trauma. It's a complexity of trauma." And children are deeply affected.

America is waiting on the results of a close and contentious election. An American Psychological Association poll showed that more than two-thirds of adults are finding the 2020 election to be a significant source of stress.

Politics & Government

Election Got You Stressed? You're Not Alone — Here's 5 Ways To Deal With It

10:29pm November 04, 2020

by Reese Oxner

The 2020 U.S. Election brings uncertainty to many during an already uncertain time. Here are five ways to deal with the increased stress.