For over 80 years, researchers at Harvard have studied what makes for a good life. They found one surefire, scientifically proven predictor of happiness: developing warmer relationships. A team of reporters on The Times’s health and wellness desk, Well, developed a self-paced challenge to help you do just that. Ready to start the new year right? Start below!
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/04/autossell/PROMO-SOCIA-STILL/PROMO-SOCIA-STILL-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
How Strong Are Your Relationships?
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/10/well/02Well-Challenge-Intro/02Well-Challenge-Intro-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
Day 1: Take Stock of Your Relationships
Today, you will identify the areas of your life in which you would like to be more connected.
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/10/well/03Well-Day2Chall/03Well-Day2Chall-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
Day 2: The Secret Power of the 8-Minute Phone Call
Even a brief chat has measurable effects on our well-being.
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/10/well/4Well-Challenge-Chat/4Well-Challenge-Chat-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
Day 3: Small Talk Has Big Benefits
Regular exchanges with your “weak ties” will bring you more happiness.
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/10/well/5Well-Chall-Letter/5Well-Chall-Letter-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
Day 4: Why You Should Write a ‘Living Eulogy’
Happy people express their gratitude for others.
![](https://static01.nyt.com/images/2023/01/10/well/05Well-Challenge-co-workers/05Well-Challenge-co-workers-threeByTwoSmallAt2X.jpg)
Day 5: The Importance of Work Friends
People who are close to their colleagues are happier and more productive.