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Dance

When you’re in a sour mood, you don’t exactly feel like doing a little jig, but that’s exactly what you should do to feel better! According to Psychology Today, dancing is an effective way boost mood and self-confidence. No wonder those Zumba goers are always smiling! Another bonus – dancing requires focus. If you’re focusing on your steps, you’re not focusing on your problems. It’s almost like meditation!

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Get a Houseplant

There are five plants that have been proven to boost your mood, according to PureWow. Lavender, aloe, English ivy, basil, and peace lily each have properties will help your mood take a positive turn. Any houseplant will provide benefits, however, as they clean the air, reduce toxins and release oxygen. This is a simple hack, and you can take care of it on your next Target run!

Call a Friend

Are you having meaningful conversations on a regular basis, or are you relying too much on likes, tweets, and quick texts to communicate with people? A study out of the University of Arizona found that meaningful conversations (as opposed to small talk) make people happier. Also not surprising is that the study found that the happiest people spent 25 percent less time alone than unhappy people. Our connectedness matters! The next time you’re feeling blue, engage in a meaningful conversation with a friend, preferably face-to-face.

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Smile

Even when you don’t feel like smiling, forcing a smile onto your face can trick your brain into happiness. According to NBC News, “a smile spurs a chemical reaction in the brain, releasing certain hormones including serotonin and dopamine.” Basically, smiling can trick your brain into thinking you’re happy, which releases chemicals that make you actually happy!

I encourage you to look for reasons to genuinely smile, though. Sure, faking one will do the trick, but seek out reasons to smile. Look at old photographs. Take a walk in nature (which also boosts your mood). Watch a funny video clip. Ask your child to tell you a joke. Life gets tough sometimes, but if we look hard enough, we can also find the joy needed to boost our moods.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.