Wendy J Freitag, Ph.D.

01/15/2026

Have you ever thought about how those forgotten holiday gift cards tucked in your wallet could actually be a secret weapon against post-holiday blues? National Use Your Gift Card Day (today) encourages redeeming them for a timely psychological boost. Spending them clears subtle mental clutter, fosters a sense of accomplishment, and promotes guilt-free indulgent purchases that elevate mood.

Research by Helion and Gilovich reveals that gift cards are more likely to be used for pleasurable items than cash.

Researchers are exploring various aspects of gift-giving and receiving, such as how givers choose gifts, how gifts are used by recipients, and how gifts impact the relationship between givers and receivers.

01/12/2026

January is a good time for decluttering your living space and offers notable psychological benefits, providing a fresh start for the new year. Research indicates that reducing clutter can significantly lower stress levels, decrease anxiety, and enhance overall mental clarity and focus. By creating an organized environment, individuals often experience a greater sense of control, improved mood, and increased productivity. This practice aligns particularly well with seasonal motivations for renewal and self-improvement.

Clutter is not just “stuff.” Clutter can be physical, digital, mental, emotional or spiritual, and each type can be overwhelming. Learn the number one cause ...

01/08/2026

National Sunday Supper Month reminds us of the significant mental health benefits derived from regular family meals. Research demonstrates that these gatherings effectively reduce stress, depression, and anxiety while enhancing emotional resilience. They promote stronger family bonds through meaningful communication and provide a valuable sense of routine in daily life. Consider reinstating this meaningful tradition to support the long-term well-being of your family.

Anne Fishel, executive director of the Family Dinner Project, helps families find fun, creative, and easy ways to make meals a reality.

01/04/2026

The start of a new year is a great time to focus on well-being and building positive habits. In honor of National Trivia Day today, here are 5 quick trivia questions on New Year's resolutions and mental health.
(Answers below)

What percentage of New Year's resolutions are typically abandoned by the end of the year?
A) 50%
B) 70%
C) Around 90%

On average, how many days does research say it takes to form a new habit?
A) 21 days
B) 66 days
C) 100 days

In recent years, improving mental health has become one of the top rising New Year's resolutions for many Americans. True or False?
Among mental health-focused resolutions, what's a very common one backed by strong evidence for boosting mood?
A) Meditating more
B) Exercising more
C) Journaling daily
Younger adults (18-34) are far more likely to prioritize mental health in their resolutions than those 65+. True or False?

Answers:

C) Around 90% (Studies show only about 9-10% fully succeed long-term.)
B) 66 days (The 21-day myth is outdated; consistency matters most.)
True (It's climbed significantly, with about 1 in 3 focusing on it lately.)
B) Exercising more (It releases endorphins and is a top choice for many.)
True (Nearly half of young adults vs. much fewer seniors.)

Small, consistent steps lead to lasting change. What's one positive habit you're starting this year?

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

If you are making the end of year donations, please consider a tax-deductible donation to support Reseach.

Support Research that Matters The development of EMDR therapy has been solidly steeped in research from its origin. The EMDR Research Foundation, founded in 2006, is a natural outgrowth of the fundamental research roots of EMDR therapy. In 2018, we recognize that the research in EMDR is a global aff...

12/22/2025

This holiday season, as we gather with loved ones, let's nourish our bodies and minds to support emotional well-being and reduce everyday stress.

New research shows that individuals with anxiety disorders often have lower levels of choline—a vital nutrient for brain regions that regulate emotions and cognition—potentially contributing to heightened stress responses.

Excellent dietary sources of choline include eggs, beef liver, salmon, chicken, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.

Researchers found that people with anxiety disorders consistently show lower choline levels in key brain regions that regulate thinking and emotions. This biochemical difference may help explain why the brain reacts more intensely to stress in anxiety conditions. Scientists believe nutrition could p...

12/21/2025

On this Winter Solstice, the longest night yields to the returning light—a timeless symbol of renewal.

As the sun is reborn, may we kindle our inner light: the enduring spark of hope, resilience, and compassion that shines through any darkness.

12/18/2025

This holiday season, let's prioritize what truly matters: meaningful conversations, laughter, and being fully present with loved ones.

Research shows that even the mere presence of a smartphone nearby can reduce cognitive capacity and available brain power—draining our focus without us realizing it.

Studies show that just having your smartphone within your view disrupts your ability to concentrate and reduces your cognitive abilities.

12/16/2025

Happy National Chocolate-Covered Anything Day!

A brand-new November 2025 review in Nutrition Reviews just confirmed that the flavonoids in dark chocolate lift mood, dial down anxiety, and sharpen thinking—even when stress is high. On these short, gray December days, one square of real dark chocolate is a tiny, delicious way to tell your brain everything’s going to be okay

https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/advance-article/doi/10.1093/nutrit/nuaf188/8323383

12/11/2025

An April 2025 NIMH study reveals how the sleeping brain creates new memories with unique neural signatures, carefully protecting older ones to allow lifelong learning without overload. This remarkable precise hippocampal process quietly strengthens emotional resilience and turns daily experiences into lasting strength. As the days grow shorter and natural light fades, a brief evening of reflection, reading, or meaningful conversation becomes a powerful way to support this natural renewal.

A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health uncovered patterns in the activation of old and new memories during sleep that keep these memories separate.