If you’re struggling to focus under a deadline, stop beating yourself up and take time to give yourself a little reward that will boost your mood. According to findings from a recent study at The Ohio State University, researchers found that the act of gifting simple mood-boosting gifts like candy or a card to seniors actually impacted cognitive functioning in the areas of memory recall and decision-making. “Given the current concern about cognitive declines in the aged, our findings are important for showing how simple methods to improve mood can help improve cognitive functioning and decision performance in older adults, just like they do in younger people,” says Ellen Peters, co-author of the study and professor of psychology at Ohio State University.
Though study focused on seniors, it helps to prove what other research has indicated about the power of mood, mental clarity, and the ability to achieve. Tap into the simple things in life that bring you joy, whether it’s time with a pet, listening to a favorite song, or taking a break to chat with a friend. If your children are having a hard time with their own ability to focus, consider reward instead of riding them to finish homework. When you take time to focus on cultivating happiness and joy, you’ll perform better. It’s a win-win!
