Act Your Way to A Better Mood

Sep 9, 2015

I worked with someone a long time ago who never smiled. Whenever he said something remotely positive I always wanted to say to him, “Why don’t you tell your face!” As it turns out – not bad advice for all us!

Here are three scientifically proven ways to give yourself a happiness boost at work in just a few minutes, according to research presented in the book “59 Seconds: Think a Little, Change a Lot” by Richard Wiseman:

1. Imagine a situation that would make you smile and just start smiling for at least 30 seconds, no matter how stressed or grumpy you may feel. In other words, behave your way to a better mood. Several studies confirm that people who are forced to smile by holding a pencil between their teeth report feeling happier and having a more positive sense of humor. (Grab a pencil and try it. You know you want to.

2.Sit up straight. Studies have shown people in control groups who sit up straight for just 3 minutes are much happier than people who slouch in their chairs! So act your way to a better mood by being aware of your posture.

3. Walk and move in a more relaxed and expressive way. People who purposefully walk with a spring in their step, who swing their arms more freely, and gesture more expressively report feeling much happier – and again, it only takes a few minutes for an impact to be felt on your mood.

The added benefit of acting like you’re happy and telling your face and body that you’re happy is that it will make you more approachable, likable and attractive to the people around you, which will help boost your mood even higher!

Michael Kerr, Humor at Work. September 2015. Michael is a Hall of Fame international business speaker who speaks on inspiring workplace cultures.

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Dana Cooper, Executive Director, Orthotics Prosthetics Canada

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Martine Rothblatt, Chairman & CEO, United Therapeutics

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Mark Breslaw, Human Resources Business Partner, Telus

“Michael’s Leading and Laughing During Turbulent Times was the best presentation I have seen in my 40 years in business.”

Rodney Meadows, Director East Alabama Home Medical

“That was one of the best virtual presentations I have been on and the best one since this pandemic! It was the highlight of my week and gave me a resurgence of positivity, motivation and energy.”

Natasha Purnell, Chief Culture Officer, Park Insurance

“Michael Kerr delivered an absolutely outstanding performance – virtually! His energy and humorous content had our event attendees wanting our company to book him again!”

Kylene Donaldson, Western Financial Group

“Michael Kerr’s humor, messages and energy was not lost at all in the virtual format and allowed us to continue an important tradition of having fun and being together. His messages on how to build resiliency were delivered in an engaging way that really hit home!”

Brier Albano, Associate Registrar, Medicine Hat College

“With his high energy and animated presentation of over 90 minutes, he had everyone’s full attention!”

Jolaine Arsenault, Retail Market Analysis and Liaison Specialist, Co-op Atlantic

“Just wanted to say “WOW!” – that was awesome! We’ve had many speakers over the years, but none the likes of Michael Kerr.”

Richard Dansereau, President, NAPA Autopro BDG

“One of the most enjoyable keynote speakers we have worked with. Not only was it entertaining, it contained valuable lessons for our managers to take back to the office.”

Peter Panaritis, President, Brinks Canada Limited

“Many of the head office staff thought you were the best keynote speaker we’ve ever had! Thank-you for your invigorating and energizing keynote presentation.”

Tanya Dusyk, Territory Manager, Shell Canada

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Steve Enns, Vice President and General Manager, TGS Harvard Management

“I wanted to share with you the amazing customer comments below. We’ve been employing various techniques that you described and I wanted you to know that your work makes a difference!”

Kevin Walsh, Chief Marketing & Sales Officer, Showdown Displays

“Yours was one of the most effective, enlightening, and entertaining presentations we’ve ever had at a conference (and we’ve had a lot!).”

Mario Bernardi, Executive Director, ClimateCare Co-operative

“You were by far the best rated speaker. Michael’s energy influenced my entire experience at the conference.”

Mary Anne Yurkiw, Food Matters Conference Chair

“YOU ROCK! Michael had everyone in stitches and offered amazing workplace food for thought.”

Janice Vilaca, Program Administrator, Co-operative Education, Wilfred Laurier University

“I’ve seen Michael four times – he’s amazing. You come away with knowledge on how to make your workplace better and you don’t even realize you were being taught because you are so busy being entertained.”

Michelle Kimura, Owner, MicAr Marketing

“Thanks to your suggestions, staff feel engaged and empowered to start creating an inspiring workplace. You have made a huge, positive impact in just 90 minutes!”

Paola Zurro, Senior Director, Real Property Branch

“Michael exceeded our expectations in every aspect. He was nothing short of the star of our event. By far, the best speaker we’ve ever had!”

Rod Smith, VP, Business Development, Century Vallen

Michael Kerr

Act Your Way to A Better Mood

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