How to feel good--right now

Although conventional wisdom is that if you're satisfied, you'll have more positive emotions, a new study shows it's actually the opposite: The more positive emotions you have, the more satisfied you are with life. Positive emotions broaden your horizons and lead to connection, while negative emotions narrow your horizon because you're focused on whatever problem is making you unhappy. "Rather than focus on the things you think should improve your quality of life, cultivate the tiniest of moments that make you feel good," says Barbara Fredrickson, the lead author of the study. You have to take note of such moments before you can cultivate them; no wonder experts on happiness recommend keeping a gratitude journal.