Tricks of the Happiness Trade

By Lauren Gravitz
Here's the science behind five more mood-boosting tricks!

You buy bright red tulips.
A study on the mood-lifting effect of flowers showed that 72 percent of seniors who received one or two bouquets over a six-month period were happier than they had been.

You hang out with friends.
Numerous studies have documented the benefits of social support. According to one study, even more important than social support is a sense of belonging.

You snuggle the dog.
Two studies showed that both AIDS patients and senior citizens benefit from having pets. An earlier study showed that pet owners were also at decreased risk of heart disease.

You find a patch of sunlight, curl up, and fall asleep.
A common cause of depression is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in which lack of sunlight affects sleep patterns and mood. Some therapists believe that even people not affected by SAD can reap the rewards of sunshine.

You change the landscape.
Perhaps it's the calming properties of the ocean or a starry sky. A good number of people mentioned that a change of scenery is an instant head clearer.

Return to the first four ways to keep yourself from going over that edge.