Be kind to improve mood

A team of Iowa State University researchers suggests wishing others well in order to lift our spirits when we're in a bad mood.Walking around and offering kindness to others in the world reduces anxiety and increases happiness and feelings of social connection.

The study, published in the Journal of Happiness Studies, included a control group in which students were instructed to look at people and focus on what they see on the outside, such as their clothing, the combination of colours, textures as well as makeup and accessories. The group of students were asked to walk around a building for 12 minutes and practice specific strategies. All students were surveyed before and after the exercise to measure anxiety, happiness, stress, empathy and connectedness. Those who practiced loving-kindness or wished others well felt happier, more connected, caring and empathetic, as well as less anxious.