Need a simple way to boost your mood in one minute? Look at a photograph of someone you love.

A reader sent me an email telling me about a strategy she uses when she needs a dose of happiness: she imagines the smiling faces of her family and other beloved people in her life.

That certainly rang true for me. We have a long line of photographs along a windowsill in our bedroom, and I often stop to look at each photograph, even though I’ve seen them all a thousand times, and it always cheers me up.

I read a note in the May O Magazine about a study in which people were asked about their moods before and after eating chocolate, listening to music, and looking at photographs of loved ones. The only activity that altered their moods was looking at photographs – they got an 11% lift.

I’ve never been one to carry photos of my family in my wallet (I figure that it's safe to assume other people aren't as interested in my children as I am), but now I’m going to start – not to show other people (though I’m sure I won’t be able to resist), but for my own benefit.

I was surprised, however, that this study suggested that listening to music didn’t boost people’s moods. I’ve read other research showing that listening to music is one of the most effective ways to get a lift. Maybe the people in this study didn’t get to pick music they liked.

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Countdown continues! Tomorrow is the big day! The first Women's Murder Club airs -- ABC, 9:00 Eastern.

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Comments

[Mrs. Micah]

I used to keep a picture of Mr. Micah in my violin case. It might still be in there, but I don't play as much.

He and I actually go for cuteness when we're down. So I'll e-mail him pictures of baby pandas or random babies dressed up as turkeys... http://family.go.com/halloween-costume-contest/Easy-Homemade-costumes-3/A-Little-Turkey-Easy-Homemade-costume-242/

[Jessica]

Great tip! While my husband was deployed with the military, I put a photo of him inside the back cover of the notebook I carry in my purse for jotting things down. I felt happier whenever I saw it, and I also would take it out and look at it when I felt lonely or needed a lift.

[travelinoma]

I have 200 family photos rotating as my screensaver. It is a fabulous pick-me-up, and I see them all way more often than I would if they were just tucked in an album.

[melissa]

so true! I keep my two favoite pictures of my dogs on my computer desktop. that way I can just open them up for a quick look.

my boss has been collecting photos of coworkers' and friends' children for 20 years. her office walls are plastered with snap shots, vacation pictures, school photos in a collage style. She just tapes them up and gives them a look when she's looking for a boost- but I notice that they boost others as well. everyone who walks in that office notices the wall of photos- venders, copy repair people, the bug exterminator. one of the venders even brought in a picture of his new granddaughter.

(fortunately she also has a soft spot for dogs- so my boys are up there as well)

[Modern Worker]

I should bring some photos to work :)

[Jeffrey]

I carry one of those old mini photo albums that they used to give you with your prints to carry pics of my 4 daughters and my wife.
Not to show anybody else- strictly for me!

[Helen]

Just recently my 2 children were asked to draw pictures of themselves for different school assignments. For some reason, each picture really caught my eye and I choose to put them up in my laundry room. I was thinking about this post when I saw those pictures today. I realized why I enjoy them so much - both faces have such big smiles drawn on them and in such vibrant colors too. Makes me smile just thinking of them!

[Michael Melcher]

A wonderful travel tip when going overseas is to load some photos you like onto your iPod. It gives you something great to look at on those long plane rides, and people you meet really love see pictures of your family, pets, home and friends. People in China really loved seeing pictures of my dogs, my mom, and the entrance to my apartment building.

[Gretchen Rubin]

This makes me realize that I MUST figure out how to load photos into my screensaver. I have photos all around the house and in my office, but really, I spend most of my time hopping from coffee shop to coffee shop with my laptop. That's where I need to be able to see the photos.

[Recruiting Animal]

This helps about as listening to a song -- which is great for about 3 minutes. And the boost does not transfer well into whatever it is you don't want to do.

[Annie]

I love this tip!