Reset Your Mood
May 8, 2026
To Inspire:
Do you consider yourself a happy person? You might think your happiness level as an adult is set, but neuroscience says you actually do have some control over it.
Elissa Epel, PhD, professor at the University of San Francisco says, “We have more control [over our happiness] than we think. We can take the reins and discover what we can do now—small things that can boost feelings of joy or contentment.”
Epel’s research shows that no matter our innate temperament or external circumstances, we can increase our feelings of well-being by adding micro-habits – bite-sized, actionable behaviors and activities you can do every day.
Being aware of how something makes you feel good can help you develop new positive habits. Done with consistency and commitment, these micro-habits can rewire your brain to be more positive.
Here are five micro-habits you can try this weekend:
Do Daily Acts of Kindness. Send a text to a friend, call an older neighbor or family member, bring a coffee to your bestie. These don’t have to be big gestures, just small actions to brighten someone’s day.
Experience Nature Every Day. We’ve talked about the importance of nature before. I can’t oversell how important things like natural light, bird song, the smell of flowers or fresh cut grass are to your overall wellbeing. If you can’t go out and walk in nature, try spending some time just sitting outside.
Capitalize on Positive Events for Others. Listen and be present for your loved ones. Ask questions then listen to their stories. Genuinely enjoy their wins.
Focus on Gratitude. Write it down. That really is one of the best ways to hold gratitude in our hearts. Make a list of things you are grateful for, small and large. If writing about gratitude isn’t your style, say it out loud! First thing in the morning, say something you are grateful for to set yourself up for a more positive day.
Do a Digital Detox. Each day, try to put down your device for at least 30 minutes. By reducing screen time, you’ll get back precious time to do things that are truly fulfilling and you’ll be more fully present in your life. Study after study shows cutting out the mindless scrolling leads to increased feelings of happiness and decreased anxiety and depression.
This may sound too simple, but adding positive habits to your life and mindfully paying attention to how they make you feel activates your brain’s reward system. This will make you want to do these behaviors again, and consistency over time can make you a more positive, happier person. Pick one of these habits and start today!
Written by Michelle O’Brien, Manager of Marketing & Communications