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Soak up the sun. And not just because you look so damn good with a tan. It's the best source out there of vitamin D, which has happy-producing properties of more energy and muscle power, along with the ability to slow weight gain.

Play around like a kid. Psychologists trumpet the notion of goofing off like you did when you were younger as a way to dodge the blues. So say you're popping into the toy store for a friend's kid -- we'll be sure to look the other way when you walk out with some bouncy balls or a Super Soaker.

Pet a dog. Puppy breath: Better than Prozac? Maybe. A University of Pennsylvania study showed that after petting a friendly and familiar dog, your levels of blood pressure and muscle tension drop significantly. And the latest research has found that it even lowers levels of stress hormones in your blood in just minutes.

Tell Us: How do you get happy in a pinch?


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