Mindfulness
This practice, found in many spiritual traditions and increasingly used in medicine and schools, often involves focused attention on the breath, body sensations, or a repeated phrase to calm the mind.
Meditation
"Don't worry about a thing, 'cause every little thing is gonna be alright."
Bob Marley & The Wailers
Studies show that happiness can be improved by practicing this regularly. Examples include journaling about small positive events, or writing a thank-you note to a loved ones.
Gratitude
This may be the most famous boundary in the world, snaking for well over 20,000 kilometres across northern China and parts of Mongolia in order to repel invaders.
The Great Wall of China
This 2015 Pixar film anthropomorphizes emotions like Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger inside the mind of 11 year old Riley.
Inside Out
A word or phrase that is silently repeated during meditation or during times of stress.
Mantra
"I hear babies cry, I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more than I'll never know.
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world."
Louis Armstrong
Strong social connections are a top indicator of happiness. This is why worldwide depression rates increased during this 2020 event.
Covid-19 Pandemic/Lockdown
This is the longest international border in the world and at one point runs through a house in the town of Derby Line, Vermont.
The Canada United States border.
This beloved 1997 film starring Matt Damon and Robin Williams was praised for its realistic portrayal of therapy and the non-linear nature of healing from trauma.
Good Will Hunting
In 6th century BCE, a structured approach to meditation was developed by Siddhartha Gautama, also known as this.
The Buddha
"Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof."
Pharrell Williams
Do this regularly to enjoy improved sleep, reduced inflammation, incresed endorphines, and increased self-efficacy!
Exercise
The borders of this South American nation are almost entirely defined by the Andes Mountains, the world's longest mountain range.
Chile
This 2012 Romantic Comedy-Drama starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence was lauded as being one of the most realistic on-screen depictions of bipolar disorder.
Silver Linings Playbook
This popular type of mindful breathing exercise involves inhaling, holding, exhaling, and holding again, each for a count of 4.
Box Breathing
"I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good soul in my feet."
Justin Timberlake
This neurotransmitter is often called the “feel-good” chemical because it’s linked to reward, motivation, and pleasure.
Dopamine
This type of water body makes up 23% of all international borders.
Rivers
This iconic 1975 film starring Jack Nicholson, shined a light on institutional abuse and ultimately contributed ot nationwide reform.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
Research shows that a regular mindfulness practice can shrink this area of the brain, involved in stress and fear responses.
The Amygdala
"I've got sunshine on a cloudy day
When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May"
The Temptations
While today's youth report feeling more connected and happier than previous generations due to usage of this, moderation seems to be key - excessive usage is tied to depression and anxiety.
Earth's tectonic plates are mapped and used to define the boundaries of this type of water body.
Oceans
This 1999 film starring Angenlina Jolie and Winona Ryder explores borderline personality disorder amid the context of women's mental health treatment.
Girl, Interrupted