Smile: It is proven to soothe you. So put on a happy face, even if you are just going through the motions. 🙂

Donate: Giving money to a good cause can make you feel better than buying something for yourself. It doesn’t have to be a lot. Donating $5 will do wonders.

Eat All-Carb Whole Grains: Feeling grumpy? An all-carb whole grain snack should make you feel happier within a half hour. Carbs raise blood sugar which boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with calm, positive feelings. 30 g of carbs with can be 4 cups of air-popped popcorn or half of a whole wheat English muffin.

Garden: Studies show 30 minutes of gardening reduces stress levels more effectively than reading quietly.

Exhale: Deep breathing is important but try to focus on the exhale. When you elongate your exhale, it slows down your heart rate. So take three long exhalations, making them twice as long as your inhalation.

Raise Your Heart Rate: 2 minutes of exercise will change your mood, as long as you raise your heart rate. Try squats or jumping jacks!

Think Sensually: Next time you are stressed, doing something that feels good physically like taking a warm shower or listening to your favorite music.

Coffee with whole milk: Caffeine may promote a can-do attitude. Adding whole milk instead of fat free milk will make you feel more satiated and calmer.

Have some chocolate: The taste of sweetness causes a surge of good endorphins. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which improve mental acuity and attitude. Small amounts of dark chocolate can also lower stress hormone levels.

Prevention.com. December 2012.