Keri Wiginton
Writer | Editor | Photographer
I am a writer and multimedia journalist living in Madison, Wisconsin. My expertise is in women's health, psychology, mental health, fitness and travel. Formerly at Chicago Tribune and Tampa Bay Times.
PROJECTS
The Washington Post
Your ability to focus may be limited to 4 or 5 hours a day. Here’s how to make the most of them.
My mind gets a little fuzzy when I concentrate for too long. So, to protect my focused time, I rearranged my life, trading a steady salary as a multimedia journalist covering the tech world for flexibility as a freelance writer focusing on health and wellness. Working less, not more, holds the key to my productivity.
Chicago Tribune
Productive on six hours of sleep? You’re deluding yourself, expert says
A sleep scientist reveals just how bad getting less than seven hours of sleep is for the brain and body.
WebMD
Neurodiversity: What Is It?
Everyone's brains are a little different. Learn why that's a good thing.
WebMD
Can Smartphones Sense Depression?
How data tracking may bring mental health treatments to the masses.
Chicago Tribune
Why striving for happiness can backfire
Reasearch says experiencing happiness is good for well-being, pursing it can backfire. Here’s what happened when I tried it.
The Washington Post
Nothing worked for my depression — until I tried meditation
Genes play a role in mood disorders, but they don’t write your destiny. Here's how meditation helped me lift my depression.
Chicago Tribune
When my houseplants died, I felt relieved. Here’s why.
I’m not the only one with a brown thumb. However, most people I know don’t have an existential crisis about it. Here's how depression, anxiety and plant parenting don't mix.
WebMD
How to Manage Depression Triggers
Stress can take a toll on anyone. But if you have depression, you might not bounce back from stress easily. The death of a loved one, a job loss, or a divorce could trigger symptoms such as guilt and hopelessness. But there are steps you can take to get better.
The Washington Post
I tried mindfulness to quit drinking. It actually worked.
If you've got a drinking habit, setting a New Year's resolution might not cut it. Here's how I used mindfulness to give up booze.
The Washington Post
I quit drinking a year ago. Here’s what happened.
I gave up alcohol. Was it worth it? Yes, and find out why.
The Washington Post
I quit drinking 2 years ago. Over time, my brain made it easier.
I haven't had a drink in almost 1,000 days. See how my brain made that possible.
Chicago Tribune
Want to take a body part or medical device home from surgery? Just ask
Here’s what you need to know about taking medical mementos home.
The Washington Post
Is KonMari a fad? I can say this: It tamed my anxiety as much as my stuff.
Research shows living in a cluttered space can lead to anxiety. Here's how tidying up helped me.
WebMD
Is Narcolepsy an Autoimmune Disorder?
Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that affects your sleep-wake cycle. We still don’t know what causes the condition.
But there’s growing evidence an autoimmune process might trigger this loss.
WebMD
Why Treatment Is Different If You’re a Person of Color
Medical treatment isn't the same for everyone, especially if you're a minority in America.