Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate-the-Positive

How are you feeling? Good? Great? Maybe just meh? If you're feeling awesome, ride the wave! And, if you're only "meh" (or worse!), don't worry about it. Things are always changing -- In a minute, let's discuss amongst us a few ways to raise your vibration. But, first, let's talk about why it's a good idea to lift your spirits.

You know the expression "worried sick"? Well, there's some truth in it. Forty years ago or so, some researchers took blood samples from medical students during exam time and found lower activity from virus-fighting immune cells.

Another study has shown that when we feel better, we do better. Adults who are happy tend to consume more healthy food and also are more likely to exercise which boosts their wellness levels.

One more analysis showed that being excited, amused, feeling proud or strong and cheerful had an enhanced effect. People who experienced a wide range of positive emotions had the lowest levels of inflammation throughout their bodies.

By now I hope you agree that finding ways to lift your mood can be pretty beneficial. If you're a little (or a lot) down in the dumps, what can you do? Try some or all of the following:

Look in the mirror and make yourself smile. Just the act can make you feel better.
Take a suggestion from Mel Robbins -- give yourself a high five while you're standing in front of the mirror.
Try a little aroma therapy -- orange or lavender oils often do the trick.
Dance around (like nobody's looking) to your favorite upbeat music.
Get outside. Feel the sunshine on your face or even the wind or light rain. Find a connection with nature -- it's possible even in the city and even better somewhere more rural.
Look at pictures of rolling fields, mountains, rivers, lakes, the ocean (especially if you can't actually get outside).
Breathe. Watch your breath go all the way in and all the way out.
Look up some silly stuff on YouTube or watch an episode of a sitcom that always makes you laugh.
Try some color therapy -- green seems to correlate with happiness. Put on a green shirt, write with a green pen, think about leprechauns.
Light a candle and watch the flame flicker.
Start a gratitude list -- try to think of unusual things to be thankful for, as in "I'm grateful for my thumbs".
Give a friend a hug -- I think we're allowed to do that again.
Do something for someone else. Hold the door for a stranger or bring flowers to a friend.
Do something different. If you usually go for a coffee, try an interesting tea, like chai.
Walk around for 5 to 10 minutes with the sole intention to see anything beautiful.
Take care of one thing on your "to-do" list.
Call a friend with whom you always laugh and feel better.

That's quite a list and should get you started. Above all, look for what's "right" in your world. Count your blessings. Listen to Aretha (below) and be care-full.