Researchers from Stony Brook University and Gallup Organization interviewed 340,000 Americans about their mood throughout the week and published their results in the Journal of Positive Psychology. Here’s what they found: Our moods significantly improve on Fridays and get even better on Saturdays and Sundays (no surprise there!). We get less happy when Monday arrives, but our moods stay consistent all week. You read that right: Mood-wise, Monday feels just the same as Thursday to most Americans. So after you bury the “case of the Mondays” excuse from your repertoire, cheer up. The good news is that you, not a day of the week, are in control of your happiness. Should you still need a little pick-me-up after your weekend happiness high, try one of these scientifically proven tricks:
Pack a happy lunch. If you want to change your mood, change your food. Walnuts and salmon are packed with omega-3 fats, which ward off depression, according to a study from the University of Pittsburgh. When given psychological tests, those with high omega-3 levels performed up to 58% better than those with the lowest levels.Plan your next trip. Who says money can’t buy happiness? If you spend it on experiences, it can. A study of 329 shoppers found that people who spend money on experiences, like going to a concert or eating at a great restaurant, are happier than those who buy jewelry, clothes, and other material goods.Flip a switch. Keep a bright lamp at your desk to shine up your mood. In an experiment about depression, participants turned on a bright light for an hour a day. Just three weeks later, more than 50% reported a better mood and sleep. The light exposure was as effective as antidepressants and lasted weeks after the study ended.
More from Prevention: 10 Easy Ways To Boost Your Mood
