Happy moods are good for our self control
Do you ever find that when you are in a bad mood, going to the beach seems like
a better option than staying home to study for an exam? The type of mood we
are in can determine the choices we make when it comes to indulgent behaviours like
gambling, over-eating and procrastinating.
It has been found that when you are in a happy mood you are more likely to practice
for an upcoming test compared to when you are in a bad mood. It is thought this is because when we are feeling negative we put fixing our mood ahead of using self-control.
So rather than studying for a test, grumpy people will procrastinate and spend their
time making themselves feel happier instead.
If you are trying to stick to a diet, or get an A on an assignment, instead of eating
more pie or going to the beach, think positive thoughts and you might find the inner-
-strength you need to maintain your self-control.