3 Easy Ways to Boost Your Mood in Under 10 Minutes
In today’s fast-paced world, prioritizing happiness can feel daunting, especially when work and family commitments are overwhelming. However, enhancing your mood doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Here are three easy, therapist-approved ways to feel happier and less stressed—all in under 10 minutes.
1. Reach Out to a Friend
Maintaining strong relationships is crucial for our well-being. Texting or calling a friend can be a quick and effective way to nurture these relationships. As Vienna Pharaon, therapist and author of “The Origins of You,” explains, “It makes us feel really good to do for others, and the bonus is that it also creates much-needed connection.”
While it might feel awkward to send an unexpected message, research indicates that people often underestimate how much their friends appreciate hearing from them. An unexpected phone call or text is often very welcome and tends to be even better received if it’s a surprise. So, take a moment to reach out—you’ll likely brighten both your day and theirs.
2. Tackle a Task You’ve Been Avoiding
Procrastination can weigh heavily on our minds. The Zeigarnik effect, a psychological phenomenon, suggests that we remember undone or interrupted tasks better than completed ones, which can create cognitive dissonance and distract us from other projects.
Crossing even the smallest task off your list can relieve this tension and trigger a dopamine release, creating a sense of accomplishment. “Addressing something you’ve been ignoring lightens the load and allows you to accomplish something that’s been weighing you down,” Pharaon notes.
Consider simple tasks like scheduling a dentist appointment or vacuuming your rug. While these might not seem joyful, science shows they can significantly contribute to your sense of well-being.
3. Offer a Compliment
Pairing self-improvement with acts of kindness can boost your mood. Laurie Santos, a psychology professor at Yale University and host of The Happiness Lab podcast, suggests that complimenting someone positively influences both the giver and receiver.
Even if giving compliments incites anxiety, a 2020 study found that people feel uplifted after complimenting others. Santos recommends simply telling a stranger you like their shoes, praising a colleague’s work, or reminding a friend of your appreciation. The effects, she notes, extend beyond the interaction: “That quick compliment may boost your mood for longer than you think.”
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Don’t let time constraints hinder your path to happiness. Implement these quick strategies, and you’ll find a noticeable boost in your mood, without sacrificing much of your busy day.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/15/3-ways-to-boost-your-happiness-todaythey-take-just-10-minutes.html