mental health

Summer is upon us, and we've provided a list of 50 fun things to do this summer to help you stay fit or give a boost to your mental well-being. Oh yeah ... Did we mention that most of them are free? Looking for something to do solo?

When it comes to improving your health, you probably know the basics by now: eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress. But here's one more tip that might surprise you: own a pet. 

Let's face it, sometimes you can get preoccupied with life. When that happens, it can be easy to forget about how important our mental health is. But your mental health isn't something you want to leave unattended for too long, or it could have a significant impact on your well-being. 

Picture this: Someone enters a room full of people. He is social butterfly who is smiling, laughing, striking up conversations with anyone and everyone he makes eye contact with. 

Safe to assume everything is good with him, right? 

Spring is a time for a fresh start. Did you know that one of the best things you can do for yourself is to help others? Finding a cause and community really does bring its own benefits. Here are eight of them:

It doesn't take much to be kind. Here are 50 ideas. How many of them do you do?

1. Fill parking meters. It's a simple act.

We all know dogs offer love and companionship. Why else would they be called "man's best friend." But did you know they also provide their owner with powerful mental and physical health benefits.

...it's time to get out the plates. Table time yields benefits that go far beyond food. The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) says that the more often children eat dinner with their parents, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs.

Throughout your day, consider these ideas to reduce stress.