HAVE A
NICE DAY!
Want an instant way to lift your spirits? Try
wishing other people well. Researchers at
Iowa State University in the US studied
strategies for lowering anxiety and
boosting wellbeing. Participants were put
into different groups, with one set asked to
look at someone and genuinely wish for
them to be happy; while another group
had to think how they might have a better
life than a person they saw (downward
social comparison). Those who wanted
someone to be happy had the best
results, feeling happier themselves and
more socially connected, with reduced
anxiety. Those in the downward social
comparison group didn’t get a lift in mood
at all, and subjects felt there was less
caring and empathy. Time to send out
those positive vibes!4
YOU TIME
HEALTHY RECIPES ] SPA AND WELLBEING