It happens to everybody. Sometimes we wake up on the wrong side of the bed. We miss trains. We dunk our neckties in coffee, and we don’t realize it until after an important meeting.
Every now and then a storm cloud will settle over your head. Rather than letting it ruin your day, try these simple steps to bring in a bit of sunshine!
1. Call a friend on his or her birthday. Check Facebook to find out which of your friends are celebrating birthdays today. Instead of just sending a short message, give them a call and wish them well. They will be glad to know you are thinking of them, and they will most likely send some good vibes your way, too!
2. Return a book you borrowed. Your friend lent you her personal copy of Don Quixote two years ago. She scribbled in the margins, spilled a little coffee on the cover, and dog-eared many, many pages. In other words, she loved that book. Don’t feel bad about returning it late. Even if you didn’t get around to reading it, she will be thrilled to see it again and it will take a little weight off your shelf and your shoulders.
3. Treat yourself to something sweet. Numerous studies have sought to measure the effects of chocolate on human happiness. It’s possible that dark chocolate can lower the stress hormone known as cortisol. It’s also possible that it’s delicious and you deserve it anyway.
4. Take lunch in the park. A little sunshine will help your body produce vitamin D and thereby increase serotonin—a mood neurotransmitter. Lunch in the park also dramatically increases your likelihood of sharing your sandwich with a duck.
5. Smile. According to the facial feedback hypothesis, exercising zygomatic (smiling) muscles can boost emotional activity in the brain. Simply smile a few times throughout the day. Think of it as an exercise, with you as a champion bodybuilder of positive energy.
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