Think Happy Thoughts to Boost Your Mood

Give your mood a makeover with these easy tips.

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Even though most Americans are self-professed optimists, we could all use a little mood boost now and then. But how? Researchers in the field of positive psychology have been studying just that. As you might have suspected, it’s our mind that will get us every time!

According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, professor of psychology at the University of California and author of "The How of Happiness," one of the biggest mistakes we make to thwart our joy is dwelling on the negative and over-thinking things. Focusing on the positive can help us attain happiness over the long term, but in the interim, her quick fix for when you’re in a funk: distraction, distraction, distraction!

QUIZ: How Happy Are You?

If you replace your negative thoughts with positive experiences, you’ll be less likely to brood later. Simple lifestyle choices can help us recharge and beat those occasional blues. Here’s how to make over your mood — no prescription required.

Pal Around
When you’re feeling down, don’t give in to the urge to veg at home alone. Instead, Dr. Lyubomirksy suggests, perk yourself up by seeking out the company of friends. A 2009 study in the journal Hormones and Behavior shows that, in women, feeling emotionally close to a person increases levels of the hormone progesterone, which helps boost happiness and reduces anxiety and stress. But not to worry, men — another study in the American Sociological Review shows you get just as many mood-boosting benefits as women from hanging out with your buds. So get off the couch and go be social already!

Mood Lighting
We’ve all witnessed the rejuvenating effects of a sunny day. According to Marie-Annette Brown, PhD, RN, author of "When Your Body Gets the Blues," sunlight can affect our mood. Sunscreen shields your skin from these happy UV rays — however, you should still apply SPF if you’re going to be outdoors for more than 10 minutes. Light that enters our eyes has a more immediate impact, increasing levels of serotonin in the brain.

Dr. Brown recommends going for a 20-minute walk during the brightest part of the day at least five times a week. If you can’t get outdoors, sitting by a sunny window can help. Or consider using a light therapy device for 30 minutes each morning. Look for a 5,000 lux blue LED lamp or a 10,000 lux white fluorescent light with a wavelength of approximately 460 nanometers.