The journal of Experimental Psychology says that when people can decorate their own workspace; productivity increases 32 percent.

A study in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that buyers who reflected on their strengths before negotiating arrived at significantly lower costs than those who didn’t think about personal attributes. The positive self-talk fosters a sense of self-belief that fortifies the power behind your request. So before negotiating give yourself a pep talk…..”I’ve done my research….I’m ready”.

If you find yourself crying through your smiles at a wedding take heart: Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada analyzed data from 1.3 million websites and discovered that emotional complexity (for example experiencing both happiness and sadness during a special event) is not only common around the world but also advantageous. People who juggle various feelings at once rather than view a moment as completely happy or sad are highly attuned to the nuances of their inner world, enabling them to appreciate different perspectives and relate better to others.

To shake off the regret of missing a big opportunity, picture an icy landscape or take a sip of a cold beverage, suggest researchers in the Journal of Consumer Psychology. They asked volunteers to choose hypothetical stock options, some of which plummeted. Those in the group with disappointing financial returns felt less upset after they watched a clip advertising an Alaskan cruise than one of a Caribbean vacation. Why? Emotions like remorse and shame are associated with warmth (think blushing), so imagining a wintry scene or gripping a chilled beverage helps “cool off” hot emotions, calming self-consciousness.