9 Habits That Pretty Much Guarantee a Good Mood

We’re not joking around; petting a dog has a physiological effect on you. It lowers your blood pressure, releases a relaxation hormone and lowers the level of stress hormones.

The practice of sitting quietly for 10 minutes, whether it’s repeating a mantra, counting your breaths Zen-style or some other method, feels good because, like with dog-petting (see above), you’re re-balancing hormones put out of whack due to stress. And with meditation, there’s no dog poop to clean up.

Wonder why hiking is the city’s favorite pastime next to hot Hollywood gossip and juice bars? Because it’s an instant mood-lifter. You’re getting vitamin D--which helps prevent depression, heart disease and cancer--from the sun (so wear sunscreen!).

Just 30 minutes of cardio a day may seem like a big ask--but not when you consider that you’re releasing endorphins, aka your brain’s happy sauce. Plus, there’s that whole swimsuit-ready body you’ll be getting.

We’re not going to mandate eight hours. But the truth is, between seven to nine hours is recommended, and you don’t need us to tell you how negative everything seems when you’re tired.

Or a pedicure. Or a lunchtime facial. Maybe a walk-in half-hour massage. Point is, remembering to spend a few moments on your physical appearance and well-being does wonders for your self-esteem.

Experienced travelers will tell you that any journey begins long before you take the first physical step--the brainstorming, researching and planning can be as happily escapist as the trip itself. So start your own bucket-list Pinterest board and enjoy.

Catch yourself feeling bummed out? Grab a pen and a piece of paper and note ten things in your life--anything from your health to your favorite pair of heels--that you are grateful to have. Re-orienting your focus on pluses rather than minuses cheers you right up.

All in all, this is a beautiful city and we’re lucky to live here. Until the 405 is a parking lot or some fool pulls out in front of you on the 101. Then, we’re all about a high-volume, expletive-filled rant to release your stress. You’ll feel so much better. Just keep your windows rolled up and your hands to yourself. And maybe wait until the Brownie carpool has all been dropped off.