It's not easy being upbeat when life's little bumps—from looming work deadlines to a streak of cloudy days—can easily send your mood sinking and stress levels soaring. But what's sweeter than that warm feeling you get from sipping a peppermint-spiced latte on a chilly morning? These 10 small, feel-good moves offer a major mood boost. Try one—or all—to feel happier and calmer in no time
1: Shop smart
Money may buy happiness, but only if you spend it wisely. To get more happiness for your dollar, splurge for experiences instead of stuff. Miriam Tatzel, PhD, of Empire State College surveyed 329 shoppers and found that "experiencers"—consumers who are easygoing about spending on a great meal out or a concert, for example—are happier than those who lavish their money on material goods such as clothes or jewelry. Added bonus: Experiences allow you to spend quality time with family and friends; a new pair of shoes is a solo endeavor.
2: Do a good deed
People who volunteer are likelier to be happier than those who don't—regardless of how much money they make or other socioeconomic factors. Researchers believe volunteering boosts happiness because it increases empathy, which makes you appreciate all the good stuff in your own life.
Pitching in for a regular cause in your community is ideal (such as serving food at your church's soup kitchen), but you can make a difference in other ways in mere minutes. Become an organ donor or sign up for a charity walk. For the person on your holiday gift list who has everything, consider donating money to a good cause in their name. Check out villagevolunteers.org for ideas: Just $20 buys a water filter to give Kenyan orphans clean drinking water, and $35 is enough to purchase 10 mosquito nets to help prevent malaria.
3: Flip through old photos
When you're feeling down, break out your kids' baby albums or pics from your favorite vacation. It may actually make you feel happier than a square of Godiva chocolate would! That's what researchers at the United Kingdom's Open University found after they examined how much people's moods rose after eating a chocolate snack, sipping an alcoholic drink, watching TV, listening to music, or looking at personal photos.
The music and chocolate left most people's moods unchanged; alcohol and TV gave a slight lift (1%), but the winner by a long shot was viewing pictures, which made people feel 11% better. To keep your spirits high, try hanging one of your favorite photos at eye level in an unexpected spot, such as taped to the window in front of your kitchen sink. You'll score a quick mood boost when you're doing something mundane, such as washing dishes.
4: Lighten up
After just three weeks of bright-light therapy, more than 50% of the participants in a study about depression reported a better mood and sounder sleep. An hour of bright indoor light a day was as effective as antidepressants—and had no side effects. Best of all, mood continued to improve for weeks after treatment.
5: Track the good stuff
Every night, write down three things that went well for you that day, no matter how minor. (In fact, 39% of people say catching up with family at night is the highlight of their day, according to a Coca-Cola Global Happiness Survey.) Be descriptive and note the role you played in making each happy moment happen. You'll be increasingly mindful of how much control you have over the bright spots in your life.
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1: Shop smart
Money may buy happiness, but only if you spend it wisely. To get more happiness for your dollar, splurge for experiences instead of stuff. Miriam Tatzel, PhD, of Empire State College surveyed 329 shoppers and found that "experiencers"—consumers who are easygoing about spending on a great meal out or a concert, for example—are happier than those who lavish their money on material goods such as clothes or jewelry. Added bonus: Experiences allow you to spend quality time with family and friends; a new pair of shoes is a solo endeavor.
2: Do a good deed
People who volunteer are likelier to be happier than those who don't—regardless of how much money they make or other socioeconomic factors. Researchers believe volunteering boosts happiness because it increases empathy, which makes you appreciate all the good stuff in your own life.
Pitching in for a regular cause in your community is ideal (such as serving food at your church's soup kitchen), but you can make a difference in other ways in mere minutes. Become an organ donor or sign up for a charity walk. For the person on your holiday gift list who has everything, consider donating money to a good cause in their name. Check out villagevolunteers.org for ideas: Just $20 buys a water filter to give Kenyan orphans clean drinking water, and $35 is enough to purchase 10 mosquito nets to help prevent malaria.
3: Flip through old photos
When you're feeling down, break out your kids' baby albums or pics from your favorite vacation. It may actually make you feel happier than a square of Godiva chocolate would! That's what researchers at the United Kingdom's Open University found after they examined how much people's moods rose after eating a chocolate snack, sipping an alcoholic drink, watching TV, listening to music, or looking at personal photos.
The music and chocolate left most people's moods unchanged; alcohol and TV gave a slight lift (1%), but the winner by a long shot was viewing pictures, which made people feel 11% better. To keep your spirits high, try hanging one of your favorite photos at eye level in an unexpected spot, such as taped to the window in front of your kitchen sink. You'll score a quick mood boost when you're doing something mundane, such as washing dishes.
4: Lighten up
After just three weeks of bright-light therapy, more than 50% of the participants in a study about depression reported a better mood and sounder sleep. An hour of bright indoor light a day was as effective as antidepressants—and had no side effects. Best of all, mood continued to improve for weeks after treatment.
5: Track the good stuff
Every night, write down three things that went well for you that day, no matter how minor. (In fact, 39% of people say catching up with family at night is the highlight of their day, according to a Coca-Cola Global Happiness Survey.) Be descriptive and note the role you played in making each happy moment happen. You'll be increasingly mindful of how much control you have over the bright spots in your life.
See More NEXT
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