Feeling down? Wish your life were different? I've got good news for you. Research shows that nearly half of the reason we feel happy or sad has to do with our thoughts and actions. This is good news because we can control those things. Our emotions are also controlled by our genetic makeup and life circumstances, things we can't control. But the rest of it, well...it's up to you how you feel.

So what can you do to improve your mood?

• Get outside your comfort zone and try new things.
• Notice things you are grateful for and write it down at least three times a week.
• Write down negative thoughts and analyze them. Restate them in a positive way.
• Quit rehashing what is in the past. When you find yourself doing this, get up and get active.
  
• Participating in social gatherings, even if you don't feel like it.
• Speak up. Interacting with other people can lighten your mood.
• Do something nice for someone else.
• Avoid negative people.
• Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Add healthy fats to your diet, especially omega-3s.
• Make your world beautiful, with flowers, music, and scented oils.

What kinds of things brighten your mood when you're feeling blue?