The thought of researching your ancestors might seem stressful, but moms have told us that tracing genealogy can actually be, yes, relaxing. “As you gain insight into your family history, you establish a connection to the past, which can be soothing,” explains Lawrence J. Levy, PsyD, a clinical psychologist in Boca Raton, FL. By discovering family facts (your great-grandfather was a photographer), you gain insight into your own life (maybe that’s why you’re a passionate shutterbug). You’re also focusing on simpler, quieter eras, which can help put today’s ever-hectic world in perspective. So take a little time to search for your past—and gain some calm.