When you’re in a positive state, your thoughts about the possible actions you can take expand; you realize you can do a lot of different things, and you make choices that promote future positive states. For example, if you feel happy, you’re more likely to plan, say, a Sunday morning hike with friends next week. Because you enjoyed the hike, you’re more likely to go home and enjoy your evening. Energized by your good mood, you decide to cook while listening to music. You make something healthy-ish for dinner, then go to bed on the early side—decisions that make you feel restored the next
...more
