Americans will try anything to improve their mood

Americans will try anything to improve their mood

What makes Americans’ days better? Finding money in your pocket, sleeping in without setting an alarm and lying in bed listening to the rain are the nation’s top three “mood boosters,” according to new research.

Petting a dog, performing small gestures of kindness and enjoying a freshly baked treat like blueberry pie also rank high on the list.

These mood boosters emerged from a study by the US Highbush Blueberry Council exploring the tiny things in life that improve people’s moods – and what exactly constitutes a “perfect day.” The new survey of 2,000 Americans is part of the aptly named “Positively Bluetiful” campaign.

An infographic showing how people boost their moodsSWNS

From walking into an air-conditioned room on a hot day to holding hands with someone you love, the list reveals that the smallest things can have the biggest impact on our moods.

In fact, almost half of Americans (46 percent) perk up simply from realizing that it’s a beautiful, sunny day.

Music makes for a mellow mood too – 37 percent agree that listening to your favorite album is enough to improve your day. Specifically, The Beatles were voted the top “mood-boosting” band or artist (32 percent), with The Eagles and Michael Jackson rounding out the top three.

Mood boosters can instantly turn your bad day into a good one. According to the study, the average American has 204 good days each year and 15 self-described “perfect days.”

So, what’s the recipe for a perfect day? The study found that for the average respondent, the perfect day starts with getting out of bed at 8:15 am and ends with crawling into bed at 10:50 pm.

The perfect day also features clear skies with a temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as actually being outside for about three hours.

People also factor significantly in a perfect day, which includes four hours with family and three hours of socializing with friends. To unwind, the day incorporates three hours relaxing in front of the TV.

“Who doesn’t love sleeping in, sunny skies and spending time with loved ones,” concurred Vicki De Bruin for the US Highbush Blueberry Council. “These simple pleasures put the biggest smiles on our faces – and it’s even better when we know these seemingly indulgent treats are actually really good for us.”

The top three feel-good food and drinks include sweet and savory treats: ice cream, bacon, and coffee.

However, reaching for a healthier snack you enjoy can offer double the benefits. According to the survey, 89 percent of Americans believe eating healthy and exercising impacts their mood.

Over half of Americans (52 percent) say that eating healthy and more cleanly make them feel happier, while another 45 percent point to regular exercise as a factor that leads to their happiness.

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh, healthy produce – and in July, fruit lovers can take the opportunity to enjoy National Blueberry Month. Eaten on their own or in your favorite dishes, blueberries bring the healthful goodness.

The top 40 mood boosters: Finding money in your pocket you didn’t know you had — 58 percent Being able to sleep in with no alarm set — 55 percent Lying in bed listening to rainfall outside — 51 percent A small gesture of kindness from somebody in your life — 49 percent Petting a dog — 48 percent Performing a small gesture of kindness for somebody in your life — 47 percent Realizing it’s a beautiful, sunny day — 46 percent Long, hot shower — 44 percent A meaningful, long hug from somebody you love — 42 percent Seeing a friend you haven’t seen in a long time — 42 percent The first sip of coffee of the day — 41 percent Plopping down on your bed after a long, tiring day — 40 percent Walking into an air-conditioned building on a hot day — 40 percent Baked treats (i.e. fresh blueberry pie) — 40 percent Listening to your favorite album — 37 percent Watching the sunset or sunrise — 37 percent Holding hands with someone you love — 36 percent Getting new clothes — 35 percent Cuddling your partner before getting up to start your day — 34 percent Cuddling with your pet after a long day — 33 percent Waking up to birds chirping — 33 percent Petting a cat — 33 percent Cooking your favorite meal — 31 percent Happening across a smell you enjoy, from cookies to the smell of rain — 31 percent Exchanging a genuine smile with a stranger — 31 percent Sunlight on your skin — 31 percent Getting a new haircut — 30 percent Finding a good new book to read — 29 percent Having a pleasant conversation with a total stranger — 28 percent Meeting a new person you genuinely like — 28 percent Eating a healthy food that makes you feel good about yourself — 28 percent A long soak in the tub — 27 percent Going to the movies — 27 percent Receiving a bouquet of flowers from someone you care about — 25 percent Going for a walk alone — 25 percent A lazy drive to nowhere in particular — 25 percent Having a nice, long stretch after sitting for awhile — 24 percent Ordering delivery — 24 percent A nice glass of beer or wine after a long day — 24 percent Realizing you’re going to have a good hair day — 23 percent Top 10 mood-boosting musical acts The Beatles — 32 percent The Eagles — 26 percent Michael Jackson — 25 percent Queen — 23 percent Fleetwood Mac — 23 percent Bruno Mars — 22 percent Elton John — 20 percent Elvis Presley — 20 percent Adele — 20 percent Whitney Houston — 19 percent The perfect day, according to respondents:

• Wake up at 8:15 am
• The weather is clear skies with a temperature of 74 degrees Fahrenheit
• Two friends seen
• Three hours spent socializing
• Two hours spent eating
• One hour exercising
• Two hours spent reading
• Three hours spent watching TV
• Four hours spent with family
• Three hours spent outside
• Four hours of relaxation
• Three hours listening to music
• In bed at 10:50 pm

Source link