Need to solve a problem or come up with a clever idea at work? Want to move a little easier through the little challenges that can pose big problems during your day? Take a minute then, to watch a funny film clip or listen to music that makes you feel good. Contrary to being a time waster, taking time to do something that boosts your mood could make you more efficient. A positive mood, scientists say, is actually the key to solving a problem or coming up with innovative ideas.
Big Wigs from the University of Western Ontario manipulated the moods of the participants in a study by playing music and video clips. Then, study participants were asked to recognize a pattern. Those that were happier did a better job of completing the challenge than those who were feeling sad or neutral.
“If you have a project where you want to think innovatively, or you have a problem to carefully consider, being in a positive mood can help you do that,” says researcher Ruby Nadler in the study published in Psychological Science.
Music can be a fast way to change your mood. Reading a comic strip or love letter is a good bet too. Or plug into You-Tube and find a feel-good video, or that one with the singing parrot. Visualization first thing in the morning can be another way to invoke good feelings.
I think it’s worth trying a few of these mood boosters because now we know a good mood is more than just a luxury. It has real-world implications. Moods affect everything from our creativity, problem solving ability, and resilience to our finances and health. And, others are likely to “catch” your good mood. In a very real way, your happiness makes others happy.
So bring it.
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