Mental Strength Friday Fix: This 8-Minute Phone Call Will Make You a Happier Person By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. Learn about our editorial process Published on February 10, 2023 Print Verywell / Julie Bang Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Friday Fix: Episode 237 More About the Podcast On The Verywell Mind Podcast, Amy Morin, LCSW, shares the “Friday Fix”—a short episode featuring a quick, actionable tip or exercise to help you manage a specific mental health issue or concern. Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / Amazon Music Friday Fix: Episode 237 How often do you talk on the phone these days? If you’re like most people, you might be more likely to send a text message than to call to chat. And while you might think those text conversations save you time or make you even happier than phone calls, texting isn’t a good substitute for an old-fashioned phone conversation. We often avoid calling our friends and relatives simply because we don’t have time. You might think your aunt is impossible to get off the phone with, or your friend can’t hang up until she’s given you every detail of her life over the past month. But there’s evidence that a quick phone call is possible and might also be the key to happiness. Rather than connect for an hour a couple of times per year, your psychological well-being might be better served by more frequent, shorter calls. Eight minutes seems to be the sweet spot. It’s enough time to connect and boost your mood. So in this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I explain the research study that discovered the 8-minute phone call, how to get off the phone fast, and why it’s so good for you. More About the Podcast The Verywell Mind Podcast is available across all streaming platforms. If you like the show, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. Reviews and ratings are a great way to encourage other people to listen and help them prioritize their mental health too. Links and Resources Follow Amy Morin on Instagram Check out Amy’s books on mental strength If You Liked This Episode, You Might Also Like These Episodes: Friday Fix: Gratitude Practices That Will Make You Happier How to Be Sad With Bestselling Author Helen Russell Friday Fix: Are You Afraid to Be Happy? How to Make Yourself Happy By Amy Morin, LCSW Amy Morin, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and international bestselling author. Her books, including "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do," have been translated into more than 40 languages. Her TEDx talk, "The Secret of Becoming Mentally Strong," is one of the most viewed talks of all time. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit