Top Ten List of Mood Boosters

Research has shown that raising the number of positive emotions you experience in your life leads to actual measurable success in many different areas of your life, like your satisfaction at work, the quality of your relationships, your physical health, and even the amount of money you make! In the case of divorce, raising levels of positive emotions can lead to better outcomes for your entire process, from settlement agreement to child custody to strong connections with family and friends. So try out the items on the list below and see how they improve your life!

1. Watch a funny movie (or a stand-up comedy act). Encourage yourself to laugh as loudly and as heartily as you can.

2. Greet everyone you meet today with a smile. Look them in the eye and say, “Good morning!” or “How are you?”

3. Treat yourself to something sumptuous. Maybe it’s a fancy coffee from Starbucks, or maybe a gourmet sandwich from your favorite shop. And then enjoy every bit of the experience.

4. Sit or walk outside in the sunshine. If it’s raining, find a place indoors that you find naturally beautiful and spend at least 10 minutes there.

5. Get a massage, and savor every minute of it.

6. Turn the radio on during your commute, and when you hear a song you like, crank it! Then sing along as loud as you want.

7. Spend 15 minutes with your child, doing whatever he or she wants. Give the activity your entire focus.

8. Perform a random act of kindness. This can be as simple as holding the door for the person behind you or complimenting someone on a job well done.

9. Express gratitude to someone who is making a difference in your life. Call him or her or send an email, and tell that person how much they mean to you.

10. Sit still. Spend 10 minutes being fully present in your surroundings. Notice the sights, sounds, and smells of your environment. Feel the chair that supports your body. Notice what feelings arise.