To give your day a little boost, get out of your head. Gloomy thoughts produce a grim mood. Count from 5 to 1 and consider trying a few of these, or all of them. The counting interrupts your negative thoughts and starts programming you for an action. Ready, set, go!

1. Put a big smile on your face.

Facial expressions influence how we feel. Smiling tricks the brain into happiness. When you smile, brain produces neuropeptides to help fight off stress.

2. Watch funny videos.

They are a great way to inject humor into your life. Funny videos will rescue you from sadness as quickly as you can say, "Funny puppy."

3. Change your perception.

Try to find the silver lining in a situation you are not happy about.

4. Stop comparing yourself.

Focus on the things you've accomplished.

5. Make plans or set goals.

Having something to look forward to will make you happier. Anticipation is a secret weapon of happiness. 

6. Go for a walk, stretch, shake your body, dance.

The movement will get the heart pumping and will decrease stress.

7. Count your blessings.

State out loud things in your life you are grateful for. There is nothing like a little thankfulness to boost your mood.

8. Take a few deep breaths.

The extra oxygen will energize you and calm you.

9. Do a 1-minute meditation.

Set the timer on your cell for 1 minute. Sit in a comfortable position with your back straight, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. As you inhale, imagine calmness and happiness entering your body as you exhale imagine exhaling all the stress and tension from your body.

10. Call someone who makes you happy.

Research suggests the more you surround yourself with positive people, the happier you will feel.

11. Love yourself.

There is an African saying: "When there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm." Be kind to yourself; avoid negative self-talk. Accept yourself, be your own best friend. Self-acceptance is crucial to happy life. Treat yourself well, eat healthily, get enough sleep, and exercise.

12. Take a cozy bath.

Research suggests that warm baths make us feel warm on the inside too.

13. Recite a positive mantra.

I am in control of my life.

I reject anything that is not good for me and embrace everything that creates deep joy. I make great decisions that lead to my ultimate good.

I am proud of myself. I have achieved so much already, and will achieve so much more.

I am vibrant and full of life. I am brimming with creativity and new ideas. I am excited to meet like-minded people and connect with the beautiful world around me.