Well+Being

(The Washington Post/iStock/Washington Post illustration)

How exercising now could benefit your future grandchildren

A fascinating new study in rodents suggests that the exercise you do now can carry through your genes and benefit future grandchildren.

By Gretchen Reynolds

4 emotional workouts to help you feel empowered and promote resilience

If you can’t afford mental health care, are waiting to see a therapist or have finished therapy, emotional exercises are one way to strengthen your psychological muscles.

By Juli Fraga

Women said coronavirus shots affect periods. New study shows they’re right.

By Amanda Morris

What are ultra-processed foods? What should I eat instead?

By Anahad O’Connor

Syphilis cases are surging. Should I be worried?

By Teddy Amenabar

Ask a Doctor: Why do I get sleepy in the afternoon after eating lunch?

By Lydia Kang, MD

Welcome to Well+Being

The Washington Post’s new personal health desk is here to answer your questions and share the latest research on living a healthy and fulfilled life.

By Tara Parker-Pope

Struggling with mental health, I began to shoplift

It’s embarrassing to admit, but it turns out the link is not that uncommon.

By Steven Petrow

Normal marital hatred is real. Here’s what to do about it.

No relationship is perfect. Try to start thinking of yours as an ecosystem that you share with someone else.

By Tara Parker-Pope

Have a question for a doctor? The Washington Post can help.

By Washington Post Staff

meet the WELL+BEING TEAM

Tara Parker-Pope is a longtime editor and science writer who knows that well-being is best achieved through the small health decisions we make each day.

Anahad O’Connor is a veteran health reporter who writes about the science of food and the various biological and cultural forces that influence how we eat.

Gretchen Reynolds has covered exercise science for more than two decades, including the perils of inactivity and the benefits of moving just a little more every day.

Richard Sima is a neuroscientist turned science journalist committed to revealing the wonder and mystery of the brain — and why it matters.

Kelyn Soong is an avid runner who writes about exercise culture and the lessons everyday athletes can learn from sports stars and fitness experts.

Amanda Morris is a science reporter and hard of hearing woman whose reporting on people with disabilities and chronic illnesses challenges long-held stigmas and sheds light on health disparities.

Lindsey Bever writes with empathy and expertise on a variety of personal health topics, including chronic illness, mental health and navigating the medical system.

Teddy Amenabar explores the science and the myths behind the health information people are seeing, searching and talking about online.

GUIDES

Running a first marathon? Here’s what veteran runners wish they’d known.

We reached out to experienced runners and asked them: “What do you wish you knew before you ran your first marathon?” Here are their responses.

By Kelyn Soong

Ketamine for depression: What it feels like and who it can help

By Rachel Zimmerman

The friendship checkup: How to reevaluate relationships and take steps to repair them

By Stacey Colino

A guide to peeing: How often you should go and other helpful tips

By Allyson Chiu

Tips for starting and getting the most out of therapy

By Sunny Fitzgerald

FOOD

What are ultra-processed foods? What should I eat instead?

By Anahad O’Connor

The best foods to feed your gut microbiome

By Anahad O’Connor

Just one hour of extra sleep each night can lead to better eating habits

By Anahad O’Connor

Relationship weight gain is real — and can be a sign of happiness

By Angela Haupt

FITNESS

How exercising now could benefit your future grandchildren

By Gretchen Reynolds

Is it better to work out in the morning or at night?

By Gretchen Reynolds

Running a first marathon? Here’s what veteran runners wish they’d known.

By Kelyn Soong

For women, running gear includes self-defense rings and pepper spray

By Samantha Chery

MIND

4 emotional workouts to help you feel empowered and promote resilience

By Juli Fraga

I overachieved to mask my ADHD. It’s common for women.

By Anika Orrock

Boredom is a warning sign. Here’s what it’s telling you.

By Richard Sima

How to make friends with your inner critic

By Lakeasha Sullivan

BODY

Women said coronavirus shots affect periods. New study shows they’re right.

By Amanda Morris

Syphilis cases are surging. Should I be worried?

By Teddy Amenabar

Ask a Doctor: Why do I get sleepy in the afternoon after eating lunch?

By Lydia Kang, MD

Have you been taking pills wrong? Here’s what science says.

By Teddy Amenabar and Aaron Steckelberg

LIFE

People with skin conditions face stigma. Monkeypox has made it worse.

By Amanda Morris

12 questions to measure your workplace happiness

By Tara Parker-Pope

How men can save relationships by learning to be vulnerable

By Andrew Reiner

Sports betting is exploding. This ex-gambler has a $15,000 cautionary tale.

By John Briley