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Want a less-calorific mood booster than chocolate? A UK study shows a CBT method called social Broad Minded Affective Coping (BMAC) – using positive social memories – could help you get in a better frame of mind.
The idea is to immerse yourself in a positive memory, using all five senses. Close your eyes and think about a happy past experience. Focus on where you are and what you can see – colours, weather or furniture. See any other people – their expressions, clothes, movements. Let sounds fill your mind – voices or music. Next, smells; perfume or fresh grass, and taste – did you eat or drink? Finally, note things things about yourself) and increase social safeness you touched. Focus on the most upbeat part of the memory, how you feel, and let the emotion wash over you. Savour it, then come back to the present.