SPREAD HAPPINESS

Just like catching a cold, you can catch someone else’s mood. Researchers found that through a process called ‘social contagion’ moods can spread from one person to the next in various ways.

Research from Harvard University suggests that happiness can spread from person to person. When people close to us, in terms of relationships, or even physical proximity become happier, we do too. For example, when a person who lives within a mile of a good friend becomes happier, the probability that this person’s good friend will also become happier increases by 15%. An even more striking finding in this study suggests that the effect can go beyond direct links and reach a third degree of separation: When a friend of a friend becomes happier, we become happier, even when we don’t know that third person directly!

Perhaps this is just another small reminder of why your mom was right when she told you to choose your friends carefully!

Interestingly, the concept of ‘social contagion” also explains why the old notion of trying to become happier by comparing yourself to the less fortunate does not often work. You see, if you compare yourself to those who suffer more, and thus have more negative moods, you expose yourself to the negative moods as well. And, if you accept that moods are contagious, then comparing yourself to the less fortunate can actually affect you more negatively than uplift your spirits.

Moods thus are not just contagious, they’re very contagious. In a world where depression is the leading cause of disability, and it’s estimated that 5% of adults globally suffer from it, a little boost in happiness can go a lot further than you think.

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HERE’S A TIP

If the scar of a cantaloupe is rough or has a stem attached, the melon was picked too early and won’t ripen as good as one with a smooth scar. Also, check the net pattern over the outside; it should be even and an overall tan-yellow color, not green or mottled.

To bring out the natural sweetness of corn on the cob, try sprinkling a little bit of salt in the pot after the water has come to a boil.

You can remove berry stains from your fingers with lemon juice. Got berry juice on your tablecloth? Pour a generous amount of milk on the spot, let it soak for 15 minutes or more. Then soak in cold water with soap for an hour or more. Wash, rinse and dry.

Soak raisins in cold water before chopping so that they won’t stick to your knife.

Need to chill some drinks for a party fast? Pile on the ice, of course, then add the secret weapon: water. Icy water chills drinks quicker than placing them in ice alone.