Adults who spent time exercising character strengths improved them - and their overall sense of well-being - better than a control group, according to a new study from the University of Zurich.
Based on the activities study participants completed, researchers have suggested four simple methods to improve character strength and lift your mood, the ABC News reported.
The first is the 'The Reach-Out' method to improve gratitude.
You can express gratitude by writing a letter or an e-mail to someone who has supported you or gone out of his way for you recently, and letting them know that it mattered, researchers say.
Expressing gratitude can elicit positive emotions, which play a key role in boosting your mood, they said.
Another method which imroves enthusiasm is 'The Joint Effort' method.
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Surrounding yourself with an energetic crowd - at a sporting event, an uplifting seminar, or even an aerobics class can improve enthusiasm which is contagious and habit forming, researchers said.
To become more optimistic, try 'The Door Opener' method. Think about a situation in which you lost out on something, whether the cause was bad luck or bad timing. Write it down, then identify a door that opened because of that closed one. This move helps you look on the bright side, they said.
'The Deeper Dig' method improves curiosity, researchers suggest reading an article or going to an exhibit.
Learning and sharing knowledge foster curiosity, researchers said.