That's Liponis' tag for love and laughter as antidotes to fear, anger and despair — "emotions that signal the body is threatened, in danger," he says. "The solution is to cultivate a deep emotional connection." That doesn't just mean romance. Adopt a pet, call your parents, throw yourself into your garden. Or discover a new activity that might sweep you into a new circle of friends.

Among new friends or old, reach out to others. Support them in their own personal endeavors, and project a can-do attitude; the good vibes will come full-circle to reward you, too. If you feel responsible to show up for your weekly exercise-walking group, you're more likely to commit.