Mood work

Ever plan on selling your car?  You already know that if it is kept in good shape, it will last longer or fetch a better price than it is isn't.  And, of course, sources such as the excellent  The First 20 Minutes: Surprising Science Reveals How We Can: Exercise Better, Train Smarter, Live Longer by Gretchen Reynolds continuously pile up evidence of the value of exercise of all kinds for keeping the ol' bod, including the brain, in better shape. Generally, we brush our teeth, we vacuum our rugs and we change the van's oil.  So, what is wrong with our moods?  Don't they deserve maintenance and updating, too?  After all, a bad mood can wipe out motivation, damage a relationship, prevent a day's accomplishment.

Sure, check for apps that can help you clearly see what mood has arisen.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/27/health/mental-health-apps/index.html

But you can do a lot with pen and paper and avoid usage bills. Just try each day at bedtime to list 3 good things that have happened that day.  After you have done that for 60 or so days, try adding one more tool.  Pick one of these from Prof. Barbara Fredrickson's "Positivity"

joy,
gratitude,
serenity,
interest,
hope,
pride,
amusement,
inspiration,
awe and
love

and try to think of something in your day that inspired that feeling.  Fredrickson is at the U. of North Carolina Chapel Hill P.E.P. Lab where they study positive emotions, and their causes and effects.

Among many well-educated critical thinkers, there seems to be the idea that working on one's thinking or happiness or mental habits is pointless or Pollyanna-ish.  The general idea is love and serve others and get your mind off yourself.  Not a bad strategy at all but a great deal of careful work in psychology labs, neuroscience and brain scans along with contributions from the world's contemplative and meditative traditions and religious masters is amassing impressive insights into personal improvement and greater happiness at all ages and in any physical condition.

--
Bill
Main blog: Fear, Fun and Filoz
Main web site: Kirbyvariety